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 Wren

Thryophilus pleurostictus

The Banded Wren is a distinctive, medium-sized songbird of the Pacific lowlands, easily identified by its rufous-brown back and striking black-and-white barred underparts.

What it sounds like

A loud, melodious sequence of clear whistles, liquid gurgles, and rapid trills, often carrying a substantial distance.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Albert Lastukhin · Costa RicaCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is well known for its complex vocalizations, with individual males possessing a repertoire of up to 25 distinct song types.
The species builds 'retort-shaped' nests with a side entrance, often strategically placed near wasp nests to deter potential predators.
Unlike many other tropical wren species, the Banded Wren does not typically engage in coordinated duetting between pairs.
It is a non-migratory resident that maintains and defends its territory year-round through song and physical displays.
Taxonomically, it was moved from the genus Thryothorus to Thryophilus following molecular phylogenetic analysis of the wren family.

Habitat

Tropical dry forests, arid scrublands, and brushy secondary growth.

Range

Pacific slope of Central America, from central Mexico to northwestern Costa Rica.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Antioquia WrenThryophilus sernai Niceforo's WrenThryophilus nicefori Rufous-and-white WrenThryophilus rufalbus Rufous-and-white WrenThryophilus rufalbus Sinaloa WrenThryophilus sinaloa

Heard a Banded Wren?

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