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-throated Canary

Crithagra atrogularis

A small, streaked African finch characterized by its prominent black throat patch and contrasting lemon-yellow rump.

What it sounds like

A rapid, melodic sequence of high-pitched liquid trills, whistles, and chirps.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 1:38

Rec. Dawie de Swardt · South AfricaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

The species is highly gregarious, often forming large mixed-species flocks with other finches outside the breeding season.
Adults display a bright yellow rump that is particularly conspicuous during their characteristically undulating flight.
While primarily granivorous, they are opportunistic feeders that also consume insects, floral nectar, and succulent leaf buds.
It is a vocal mimic, sometimes incorporating the notes of other bird species into its own complex song.
The nest is a small, compact cup constructed from fine grass and bound together with spider silk for structural integrity.

Habitat

Dry savanna, open broadleaf woodland, thornscrub, and suburban gardens.

Range

Widespread across Southern, East, and Central Africa.

Similar & commonly confused birds

African CitrilCrithagra citrinelloides Ankober SerinCrithagra ankoberensis Arabian SerinCrithagra rothschildi Black-eared SeedeaterCrithagra mennelli Black-faced CanaryCrithagra capistrata Brimstone CanaryCrithagra sulphurata Brown-rumped SeedeaterCrithagra tristriata Cape SiskinCrithagra totta

Heard a Black-throated Canary?

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