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 Crowned-Crane

Balearica pavonina

A striking wetland bird of the Sahel, the Black Crowned-Crane is distinguished by its slate-gray to black plumage and a spectacular spray of golden bristles atop its head.

What it sounds like

A low-pitched, resonant 'ka-wonk' or 'honk' that is noticeably deeper than the calls of most other crane species.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Julien Birard · ChadCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is one of only two crane species capable of roosting in trees, thanks to a long, prehensile hind toe.
The species possesses a red gular sac under the chin that can be inflated to amplify vocalizations during courtship.
It is the national bird of Nigeria and featured prominently in the country's heraldry.
Unlike many other cranes, it often stamps its feet while foraging to flush out insects and small invertebrates from the grass.
It is currently classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, primarily due to habitat loss and the illegal wildlife trade.

Habitat

Freshwater marshes, wet grasslands, and edge habitats of rivers and lakes.

Range

Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically the Sahel and savannah belts stretching from Senegal to Ethiopia.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Gray Crowned-CraneBalearica regulorum

Heard a Black Crowned-Crane?

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