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

Australian Hobby

Falco longipennis

A small, highly agile falcon known for its slender build and exceptional aerial speed, often resembling a miniature Peregrine Falcon.

What it sounds like

A rapid, high-pitched, and shrill 'kee-kee-kee' or 'quick-quick-quick'.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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

Field notes

It is one of the smallest Australian raptors, typically measuring between 30 and 35 centimeters in length.
The species name 'longipennis' refers to its exceptionally long, scythe-shaped wings which cross over the tail when the bird is perched.
It is notably crepuscular, frequently hunting bats, swifts, and large insects during the twilight hours.
Unlike many raptors, they do not construct their own nests, instead utilizing the abandoned stick nests of crows, ravens, or other hawks.
It is capable of catching prey in mid-air, often pursuing small birds with a characteristic rapid, flickering wingbeat.

Habitat

Open woodlands, tropical savannas, urban parks, and timbered watercourses.

Range

Widespread across mainland Australia, Tasmania, and occasionally found in New Guinea and Indonesia.

Similar & commonly confused birds

African HobbyFalco cuvierii American KestrelFalco sparverius Amur FalconFalco amurensis Aplomado FalconFalco femoralis Banded KestrelFalco zoniventris Bat FalconFalco rufigularis Black FalconFalco subniger Brown FalconFalco berigora

Heard a Australian Hobby?

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