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

Ashy-headed Goose

Chloephaga poliocephala

A small, terrestrial sheldgoose of southern South America, characterized by its pale grey head and bold rufous-to-barred underparts. It is more commonly found in forest clearings and damp meadows than on open water.

What it sounds like

Males give a soft, repeated whistle; females produce a loud, rasping 'quack' or staccato cackle.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:17

Rec. Étienne Leroy · ArgentinaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

The species displays distinct vocal dimorphism: males produce soft whistles while females emit harsh, rattling cackles.
Unlike many other geese, it often nests in tree cavities or atop high, rotting stumps in forested areas.
It is primarily a grazer, feeding almost exclusively on grasses, sedges, and herbs in upland meadows.
During the austral winter, southern populations migrate north from Patagonia to the pampas of central Argentina.
The wings feature a striking metallic green speculum and large white patches that are highly visible during flight.

Habitat

Damp forest glades, marshy meadows, and upland grasslands near woodland edges.

Range

Southern Chile and Argentina, extending to Tierra del Fuego and the Falkland Islands.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Kelp GooseChloephaga hybrida Kelp GooseChloephaga hybrida Ruddy-headed GooseChloephaga rubidiceps Upland GooseChloephaga picta

Heard a Ashy-headed Goose?

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