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 Swan

Cygnus atratus

The Black Swan is a large, iconic waterfowl native to Australia, instantly recognizable by its soot-black plumage and vibrant red bill.

What it sounds like

A musical, bugle-like trumpeting or a high-pitched, whistling 'cree-ee' often emitted during flight.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Sonothèque ADVL · FranceCC0 Xeno-canto

Field notes

While appearing entirely black, it possesses white primary and secondary flight feathers that are only visible when the wings are spread.
The species provided the namesake for the 'Black Swan Theory' because Europeans believed all swans were white until encountering this bird in 1697.
They are highly nomadic and move opportunistically across the continent in response to erratic rainfall and flooding patterns.
Black Swans are known for long-term monogamous pair bonds, including a significant percentage of successful same-sex pairings in some populations.
Cygnets are born with light grey down and pale bills, only attaining their characteristic dark plumage and red bill as they mature.

Habitat

Large permanent or semi-permanent freshwater and brackish lakes, rivers, and coastal lagoons with submerged aquatic vegetation.

Range

Native to Australia and Tasmania; widely introduced to New Zealand and various parts of Europe.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Black-necked SwanCygnus melancoryphus Mute SwanCygnus olor Trumpeter SwanCygnus buccinator Tundra SwanCygnus columbianus Whooper SwanCygnus cygnus

Heard a Black Swan?

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