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 Heron

Egretta ardesiaca

The Black Heron is a medium-sized African wading bird famous for its 'canopy-feeding' hunting strategy. It is distinguished by its uniform slate-black plumage and contrasting bright yellow feet.

What it sounds like

Generally silent, but occasionally emits a soft, guttural cluck or low croak when disturbed or at the colony.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Frank Lambert · MadagascarCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

Uses a unique 'canopy-feeding' technique, forming an umbrella with its wings to create shade on the water's surface.
The shade from its wings attracts fish seeking cover and eliminates surface glare for better hunting visibility.
Often seen vibrating its bright yellow feet in the mud to disturb and flush out hidden prey.
Highly social during foraging, sometimes forming large groups of over 50 individuals to hunt in unison.
Nests colonially in trees or reedbeds, typically alongside other species like Squacco Herons and Sacred Ibises.

Habitat

Shallow freshwater lake margins, marshes, floodplains, and occasionally alkaline lakes or coastal tidal flats.

Range

Widespread throughout Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Chinese EgretEgretta eulophotes Little Blue HeronEgretta caerulea Little EgretEgretta garzetta Pacific Reef-HeronEgretta sacra Pied HeronEgretta picata Reddish EgretEgretta rufescens Slaty EgretEgretta vinaceigula Slaty EgretEgretta vinaceigula

Heard a Black Heron?

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