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-headed Jay

Garrulus lanceolatus

The Black-headed Jay is a striking, crested corvid of the Himalayas, characterized by its vinaceous-grey plumage and vibrant blue-and-black barred wings.

What it sounds like

A loud, harsh, and grating 'kra-a-ah' or 'skreee-ah,' occasionally interspersed with softer, metallic clicks.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Andrew Spencer · IndiaCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is a close relative of the Eurasian Jay but lacks the white rump and white wing patches typical of its cousin.
The species plays a vital role in forest ecology by caching acorns, which aids in the natural regeneration of oak woodlands.
It features a prominent, shaggy black crest and distinctive white streaking on its throat.
Highly social in nature, these birds are frequently seen foraging in noisy family groups or pairs.
Like many corvids, it is an adept mimic, often imitating the calls of raptors such as the Shikra to ward off potential threats.

Habitat

Temperate broadleaf and coniferous forests, particularly dominated by oak and rhododendron species.

Range

The Western and Central Himalayas, ranging from eastern Afghanistan through northern India to central Nepal.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Eurasian JayGarrulus glandarius Lidth's JayGarrulus lidthi

Heard a Black-headed Jay?

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