How accurate is Birdsong's bird identifier?

It runs Google's Perch, a research-grade acoustic model covering nearly 15,000 species. When a call is ambiguous, we say so honestly and let you record a second clip to confirm, rather than guessing.

Is my recording stored?

No. Your audio is used to identify the bird in the moment and isn't saved to our servers. The birds you confirm are kept as cards in your own field journal; the recordings themselves are not.

Is the bird identifier free?

Yes — identify birds every day for free, no account required. Birdsong Pro ($3.99/mo or $39.99/yr) unlocks unlimited IDs, full field guides, your growing collection, and shareable Field Report cards.

Do I need an account or internet to identify a bird?

You'll need a connection to identify, since the AI runs in the cloud. No account is needed to try it — sign in with Google or email to save your field journal and sync it across devices.

Birdsong field guide

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

The Anhinga is a specialized, slender waterbird often called the 'snakebird' because it swims with its body submerged and only its long, sinuous neck visible. It is a master of freshwater environments, known for its unique hunting method of spearing fish with a dagger-like bill.

What it sounds like

A series of low, guttural croaks, dry rattles, and repetitive clicking sounds.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Paul Driver · United StatesCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

Lacks waterproof plumage, which reduces buoyancy and allows for more efficient, deep-water diving and hunting.
Utilizes a specialized 'trigger' mechanism in its neck vertebrae (specifically the 8th and 9th) to strike prey with explosive speed.
Frequently seen in a 'heraldic' pose, perching with wings spread wide to dry its feathers and thermoregulate after a dive.
Unlike many waterbirds, it spears fish through the side rather than grasping them, then returns to the surface to toss and swallow them head-first.
The name 'Anhinga' originates from the Brazilian Tupi language, meaning 'devil bird' or 'evil spirit of the woods,' likely due to its haunting appearance.

Habitat

Shallow, slow-moving freshwater ecosystems such as cypress swamps, marshes, lakes, and sluggish rivers.

Range

Southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America as far south as northern Argentina.

Similar & commonly confused birds

African DarterAnhinga rufa Australasian DarterAnhinga novaehollandiae Oriental DarterAnhinga melanogaster

Heard a Anhinga?

Open Birdsong, tap record, and identify the bird singing near you in seconds — then collect it in your field journal.

Identify a bird by its song