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

Banded Kestrel

Falco zoniventris

A distinctive, medium-sized raptor endemic to Madagascar, characterized by its slate-grey plumage and heavy horizontal barring on its underparts.

What it sounds like

A high-pitched, rapid chattering 'kik-kik-kik-kik' or a sharp scream.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:03

Rec. Mike Nelson · MadagascarCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is a specialist predator of arboreal reptiles, particularly chameleons and geckos.
Unlike many other falcons, it is often seen perched motionless for long periods on high, exposed branches while scanning for prey.
The species is one of three kestrel species found exclusively on the island of Madagascar.
It possesses striking yellow skin around the eyes (orbital ring), cere, and feet, which contrast with its dark grey feathers.
Genetic analysis indicates it belongs to a distinct African lineage that includes the Grey Kestrel and Dickinson's Kestrel.

Habitat

Subtropical or tropical dry forests, moist lowland forests, and wooded savannahs.

Range

Endemic to Madagascar, found throughout the island but most common in the west and north.

Similar & commonly confused birds

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

Heard a Banded Kestrel?

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