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

Arabian Eagle-Owl

Bubo milesi

A medium-sized nocturnal raptor endemic to the Arabian Peninsula, characterized by its sandy-buff plumage and prominent ear tufts.

What it sounds like

A deep, melodic two-syllable hoot, 'hu-huuu', with the second note being more drawn out and higher in pitch.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Matthias Feuersenger · OmanCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It was historically considered a subspecies of the Spotted Eagle-Owl but was elevated to species status based on distinct vocalizations and genetic divergence.
The species is significantly smaller and paler than the sympatric Eurasian Eagle-Owl, an adaptation to its arid environment.
Its diet is highly opportunistic, consisting of large insects, scorpions, small mammals, and reptiles.
Unlike many other large owls, it possesses striking golden-yellow irises rather than dark orange or red.
Nesting usually occurs in cliff crevices or on rocky ledges, though they occasionally utilize the abandoned stick nests of other large birds.

Habitat

Rocky hillsides, wadis, cliffs, and semi-desert scrubland, often near water sources.

Range

Southern and western Arabian Peninsula, including Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Cape Eagle-OwlBubo capensis Eurasian Eagle-OwlBubo bubo Grayish Eagle-OwlBubo cinerascens Great Horned OwlBubo virginianus Lesser Horned OwlBubo magellanicus Pharaoh Eagle-OwlBubo ascalaphus Rock Eagle-OwlBubo bengalensis Snowy OwlBubo scandiacus

Heard a Arabian Eagle-Owl?

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