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 Pelican

Pelecanus conspicillatus

A massive, nomadic waterbird distinguished by its striking black-and-white plumage and the largest bill of any extant avian species. It is a master of soaring, often traveling vast distances to exploit temporary inland floodwaters.

What it sounds like

Generally silent when away from the nest, but produces deep, guttural grunts, bellows, and wheezing sounds at breeding colonies.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Khristos Nizamis · AustraliaCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

It holds the world record for the longest bill of any bird, reaching up to 50 centimeters in length.
The distensible gular pouch can hold up to 13 liters of water, acting as a scoop rather than a storage site.
Despite their heavy appearance, they are expert gliders and can stay airborne for 24 hours by riding thermals up to 3,000 meters.
Breeding adults develop a distinct cobalt-blue stripe on the bill and a bright yellow orbital ring.
They are opportunistic generalists and have been documented preying on small birds like silver gulls and ducklings during resource scarcity.

Habitat

Large expanses of open water without dense aquatic vegetation, including freshwater, estuarine, and marine environments.

Range

Widespread throughout Australia and New Guinea; occasional vagrant in Indonesia, Fiji, and New Zealand.

Similar & commonly confused birds

American White PelicanPelecanus erythrorhynchos Brown PelicanPelecanus occidentalis Dalmatian PelicanPelecanus crispus Great White PelicanPelecanus onocrotalus Peruvian PelicanPelecanus thagus Pink-backed PelicanPelecanus rufescens Spot-billed PelicanPelecanus philippensis

Heard a Australian Pelican?

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