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-fronted Tern

Chlidonias albostriatus

A small, elegant marsh tern endemic to New Zealand, characterized by its slate-grey plumage, striking black cap, and vibrant orange-red bill.

What it sounds like

A sharp, high-pitched, and repetitive 'kit-kit-kit' or a rasping 'kreet' when alarmed.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:24

Rec. craig wilson · New ZealandCC BY Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is one of the few 'marsh terns' that breeds almost exclusively on inland braided riverbeds rather than marshes.
The species is globally endangered, primarily due to predation by introduced mammals like stoats, cats, and hedgehogs.
Unlike many other terns, it frequently forages over dry land, picking up earthworms and grubs from recently ploughed fields.
During courtship, pairs engage in a high-altitude 'aerial trek' where they spiral upward together before gliding back to the riverbed.
While they breed in the South Island, many migrate to coastal estuaries and even as far north as the Bay of Plenty during winter.

Habitat

Braided river systems for breeding; coastal lagoons, estuaries, and agricultural pastures for foraging.

Range

Endemic to New Zealand, breeding mostly on the South Island.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Black TernChlidonias niger Whiskered TernChlidonias hybrida White-winged TernChlidonias leucopterus

Heard a Black-fronted Tern?

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