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

Bachman's Sparrow

Peucaea aestivalis

A secretive, ground-dwelling songbird of the southeastern United States, primarily recognized by its clear, melodic song and specialized habitat requirements.

What it sounds like

A high, thin introductory whistle followed by a complex, flute-like trill or series of rapid notes on a different pitch.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 1:43

Rec. Timothy Marquardt · United StatesCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is a habitat specialist almost entirely dependent on fire-maintained ecosystems, particularly longleaf pine savannas.
When disturbed, this sparrow often chooses to run through dense ground cover rather than taking flight.
The species was named in honor of John Bachman, a naturalist and collaborator of John James Audubon.
Its nest is a domed structure made of grasses, usually hidden on the ground at the base of a clump of vegetation.
Due to fire suppression and habitat fragmentation, it is currently a species of high conservation concern across its range.

Habitat

Mature, open pine forests and oak-pine woodlands with a thick understory of native grasses and saw palmetto.

Range

Southeastern United States, ranging from eastern Texas and Oklahoma to Florida and north to Virginia.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Black-chested SparrowPeucaea humeralis Botteri's SparrowPeucaea botterii Bridled SparrowPeucaea mystacalis Cassin's SparrowPeucaea cassinii Cinnamon-tailed SparrowPeucaea sumichrasti Rufous-winged SparrowPeucaea carpalis Stripe-headed SparrowPeucaea ruficauda

Heard a Bachman's Sparrow?

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