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 Parrot

Pionites melanocephalus

A small, striking parrot distinguished by its jet-black crown and playful demeanor, primarily inhabiting the upper canopies of the Amazonian rainforest.

What it sounds like

A loud, piercing series of metallic shrieks and high-pitched whistles, often delivered in rapid succession.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Tristan Guillebot de Nerville · French GuianaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is one of the few parrot species to possess a pure white breast and belly, contrasting sharply with its colorful plumage.
Known for 'leaf bathing,' these birds rub their bodies against wet foliage to clean themselves after rain.
They exhibit a unique, energetic hopping gait when moving across branches or the forest floor.
The species is highly social, typically found in small family groups that engage in frequent mutual preening.
Unlike many parrots, they prefer nesting in high tree hollows often over 30 meters above the ground.

Habitat

Lowland tropical rainforests, seasonally flooded forests (varzea), and forest edges.

Range

Northern South America, north of the Amazon River, spanning Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and the Guianas.

Similar & commonly confused birds

White-bellied ParrotPionites leucogaster

Heard a Black-headed Parrot?

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