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

Black Catbird

Melanoptila glabrirostris

A sleek, glossy black mimid endemic to the Yucatán Peninsula, identified by its uniform dark plumage and cat-like alarm calls.

What it sounds like

A complex medley of liquid warbles and whistles punctuated by harsh, raspy notes and a signature nasal 'mew' call.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:16

Rec. Steve Hampton · MexicoCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is the smallest member of the Mimidae family, which includes thrashers and mockingbirds.
Though appearing solid black, the plumage displays a brilliant violet or blue-green iridescent sheen under direct sunlight.
The species is currently categorized as Near Threatened due to its restricted range and habitat loss from coastal development.
Unlike many other mimids, it is rarely found in urban areas, preferring dense, undisturbed scrub or forest edges.
It shares the characteristic 'mewing' alarm call of its northern relative, the Gray Catbird, but possesses a more musical song.

Habitat

Coastal scrub, deciduous forest edges, and mangrove thickets.

Range

Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, northern Belize, and northern Guatemala.

Heard a Black Catbird?

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