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

Biak Scops-Owl

Otus beccarii

The Biak Scops-Owl is a small, nocturnal raptor endemic to the Geelvink Bay islands, distinguished by its heavily streaked plumage and ear tufts. It is a rare island specialist that remains one of the least-studied owls in the genus Otus.

What it sounds like

A series of low, gruff, barking notes described as 'wuk' or 'woogh', often delivered in a slow, rhythmic sequence.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:32

Rec. Oscar Campbell · IndonesiaCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is strictly endemic to the islands of Biak and Supiori in the Cenderawasih Bay of Papua, Indonesia.
The species occurs in two distinct color morphs: a common dark brown streaked phase and a rarer rufous phase.
Unlike many scops-owls with bright yellow eyes, this species typically possesses amber or dark yellowish-brown irises.
Taxonomically, it was formerly treated as a subspecies of the Moluccan Scops-Owl (Otus magicus) before being elevated to full species status.
It is currently classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to its very small range and ongoing habitat loss from logging and land conversion.

Habitat

Primary and secondary lowland tropical moist forests, as well as degraded forest edges and tall gardens.

Range

Biak and Supiori Islands, Indonesia.

Similar & commonly confused birds

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

Heard a Biak Scops-Owl?

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