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-chested Buzzard-Eagle

Geranoaetus melanoleucus

A large, powerful South American raptor characterized by its uniquely short, wedge-shaped tail and broad, triangular wings. It is a common sight soaring over Andean ridges and open landscapes patrolling for small mammals.

What it sounds like

A high-pitched, rapid series of yelping or cackling notes, often likened to the cry of a gull.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Marco Cruz · BrazilCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

Despite its name, it is technically a large hawk (buteonine) rather than a true eagle.
Adults display a striking plumage contrast between a dark slate-grey upper body/chest and a white, finely barred belly.
The species' scientific name combines 'geranos' (crane) and 'aetos' (eagle), referring to its greyish coloration.
In flight, its extremely short tail gives it a distinctive 'tailless' silhouette compared to other large soaring birds.
They are known to engage in spectacular aerial courtship displays involving steep dives and mutual talon-locking.

Habitat

Open montane grasslands, rocky ridges, shrublands, and semi-arid canyons.

Range

South America, ranging along the Andes from Venezuela to Tierra del Fuego, as well as parts of eastern Brazil and Paraguay.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Variable HawkGeranoaetus polyosoma White-tailed HawkGeranoaetus albicaudatus

Heard a Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle?

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