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-thighed Grosbeak

Pheucticus tibialis

A heavy-billed, vibrant yellow songbird endemic to the Talamancan highlands, recognized by its striking black wings and eponymous dark thighs.

What it sounds like

A rich, flute-like series of liquid warbles and whistles; the contact call is a sharp, metallic 'pink'.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:29

Rec. Enrique Varela · Costa RicaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

Unlike most other members of the genus Pheucticus, this species displays minimal sexual dimorphism, with both sexes appearing nearly identical.
The species is monotypic, meaning it has no recognized subspecies across its restricted geographic range.
Its massive, silvery-gray bill is evolutionary adapted for crushing hard-shelled seeds and large tropical berries.
It was historically considered conspecific with the Golden-bellied Grosbeak but is now classified as a distinct species endemic to the Central American highlands.
It often participates in mixed-species foraging flocks, moving through the canopy alongside tanagers and thrushes.

Habitat

Humid montane forests, oak woodlands, and edges of high-altitude clearings.

Range

Highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Black-backed GrosbeakPheucticus aureoventris Black-headed GrosbeakPheucticus melanocephalus Golden GrosbeakPheucticus chrysogaster Rose-breasted GrosbeakPheucticus ludovicianus Yellow GrosbeakPheucticus chrysopeplus

Heard a Black-thighed Grosbeak?

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