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

Australasian Shoveler

Spatula rhynchotis

The Australasian Shoveler is a specialized dabbling duck recognized by its heavy, spatulate bill and the male's striking blue-grey head with a white facial crescent.

What it sounds like

Usually silent, but males may emit a soft 'took-took' or rattling sound in flight, while females produce a quiet, rasping quack.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Nick Talbot · AustraliaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

The bill is lined with fine, comb-like lamellae used to filter microscopic plants and animals from the water.
In New Zealand, the species is widely known by its Māori name, Kuruwhengi.
They are highly nomadic and capable of flying long distances to exploit temporary wetlands created by erratic rainfall.
During the breeding season, males perform 'nuptial flights' where several individuals pursue a single female at high speeds.
Unlike many ducks, they prefer deep, permanent freshwater swamps with dense marginal vegetation for nesting.

Habitat

Deep freshwater wetlands, permanent swamps, and lakes with abundant aquatic vegetation.

Range

South-western and south-eastern Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Blue-billed TealSpatula hottentota Blue-winged TealSpatula discors Cape ShovelerSpatula smithii Cinnamon TealSpatula cyanoptera GarganeySpatula querquedula Northern ShovelerSpatula clypeata Puna TealSpatula puna Red ShovelerSpatula platalea

Heard a Australasian Shoveler?

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