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-tailed Tityra

Tityra cayana

A medium-sized, stocky passerine of South American lowlands, easily identified by its contrasting plumage and bright red facial skin. It is frequently observed in pairs or small groups perched prominently at the forest canopy or edge.

What it sounds like

A series of low-pitched, dry, and buzzy frog-like grunts or raspy 'reeez' notes.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:04

Rec. Fabrício Grigolin · BrazilCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

Exhibits sexual dimorphism; males are primarily white and grey with black accents, while females display brownish streaking on the head and back.
The species is a secondary cavity nester, often utilizing abandoned woodpecker holes and aggressively defending them from other birds.
The base of its bill and the extensive orbital skin are unfeathered, revealing a vibrant rose-red color that is diagnostic in the field.
Its diet is omnivorous, consisting of large arthropods such as cicadas and a variety of small forest fruits.
Formerly grouped with cotingas or tyrant flycatchers, it is now placed in the family Tityridae based on genetic and morphological data.

Habitat

Lowland humid forests, forest borders, and clearings with scattered tall trees.

Range

Widespread across South America east of the Andes, ranging from Colombia and the Guianas to northern Argentina.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Black-crowned TityraTityra inquisitor Masked TityraTityra semifasciata White-tailed TityraTityra leucura White-tailed TityraTityra leucura

Heard a Black-tailed Tityra?

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