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

Ankober Serin

Crithagra ankoberensis

The Ankober Serin is a small, reclusive finch endemic to the high-altitude escarpments of Ethiopia, characterized by its heavily streaked, cryptic plumage.

What it sounds like

A thin, high-pitched 'tsit' or 'tsee' call, often followed by a rapid, liquid warbling song typical of the genus Crithagra.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Hans Matheve · EthiopiaCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

It was only discovered by the scientific community in 1976 near the town of Ankober.
The species is an extreme high-altitude specialist, rarely found below 2,800 meters and ranging up to 4,300 meters.
Unlike many other serins, it specifically nests in vertical rock crevices on steep cliff faces to avoid predators.
Its plumage is meticulously adapted for camouflage against basaltic rock, featuring dense brown and buff longitudinal streaking.
It is currently classified as Vulnerable due to its highly fragmented and restricted global range.

Habitat

Steep rocky cliffs, precipices, and adjacent afro-alpine moorlands with tussock grass.

Range

Endemic to the central and northern highlands of Ethiopia.

Similar & commonly confused birds

African CitrilCrithagra citrinelloides Arabian SerinCrithagra rothschildi Black-eared SeedeaterCrithagra mennelli Black-faced CanaryCrithagra capistrata Black-throated CanaryCrithagra atrogularis Brimstone CanaryCrithagra sulphurata Brown-rumped SeedeaterCrithagra tristriata Cape SiskinCrithagra totta

Heard a Ankober Serin?

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