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

Asian Woolly-necked Stork

Ciconia episcopus

A medium-sized wading bird distinguished by its white downy neck and iridescent black plumage. It is a resilient species often found in both natural wetlands and human-modified agricultural landscapes.

What it sounds like

Generally silent, but produces loud, rhythmic bill-clattering at the nest and occasional low-pitched croaks or hisses when disturbed.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:22

Rec. Sreekumar Chirukandoth · IndiaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

The distinctive white 'woolly' neck is composed of dense down feathers that contrast sharply with its black 'skull cap'.
Unlike many other storks, it is frequently solitary or seen in pairs rather than in large communal flocks.
It is highly adaptable and is one of the few stork species known to thrive and nest within Intensively farmed agricultural areas.
Taxonomically, it was recently split from the African Woolly-necked Stork based on significant morphological and genetic differences.
During the breeding season, they engage in elaborate bill-clattering displays to strengthen pair bonds at the nest site.

Habitat

Freshwater wetlands, marshes, rice paddies, flooded grasslands, and seasonal ponds.

Range

Widespread throughout South Asia and Southeast Asia, from India and Sri Lanka to Indonesia and the Philippines.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Abdim's StorkCiconia abdimii African Woolly-necked StorkCiconia microscelis Black StorkCiconia nigra Maguari StorkCiconia maguari Oriental StorkCiconia boyciana Storm's StorkCiconia stormi White StorkCiconia ciconia

Heard a Asian Woolly-necked Stork?

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