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

Banggai Scops-Owl

Otus mendeni

The Banggai Scops-Owl is a rare, small nocturnal raptor endemic to the Banggai Islands of Indonesia, distinguished by its rich rufous plumage.

What it sounds like

A series of hollow, rhythmic whistling notes, typically described as a rising 'hu-hu-hu'.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Frank Lambert · IndonesiaCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

It was only recognized as a distinct species in the early 21st century after being split from the Celebes Scops-Owl.
The species is geographically restricted to just two islands: Peleng and Labobo.
It is classified as Vulnerable due to its extremely small range and the ongoing threat of habitat loss from logging and agriculture.
Unlike many scops-owls, it lacks prominent ear tufts, giving its head a more rounded appearance.
Its plumage is significantly more saturated and reddish-brown than its closest relatives on the Sulawesi mainland.

Habitat

Lowland primary and mature secondary tropical forests, occasionally found in degraded woodland.

Range

Banggai Archipelago, Indonesia (Peleng and Labobo islands).

Similar & commonly confused birds

African Scops-OwlOtus senegalensis Andaman Scops-OwlOtus balli Anjouan Scops-OwlOtus capnodes Arabian Scops-OwlOtus pamelae Biak Scops-OwlOtus beccarii Collared Scops-OwlOtus lettia Comoro Scops-OwlOtus pauliani Cyprus Scops-OwlOtus cyprius

Heard a Banggai Scops-Owl?

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