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 Parrotbill

Suthora nipalensis

A tiny, highly social passerine easily identified by its striking black throat patch, rufous crown, and short, deep parrot-like bill.

What it sounds like

A rapid, high-pitched sequence of thin, squeaky twittering and sharp, metallic 'chi-chi-chi' notes.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:49

Rec. Lars Lachmann · IndiaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is one of the smallest parrotbill species, typically measuring only 10 to 12 centimeters in length.
The species exhibits significant morphological diversity, with approximately 10 recognized subspecies across its range.
They are obligate bamboo specialists, relying almost exclusively on dense bamboo stands for foraging and protection.
Outside of the breeding season, they form highly active, restless flocks that can consist of up to 50 individuals.
Despite their robust bill shape, their diet primarily consists of small insects, larvae, and various seeds found in the understory.

Habitat

Dense bamboo thickets and the understory of broadleaf evergreen montane forests.

Range

The Himalayas across to Southern China, Myanmar, and northern parts of Southeast Asia.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Ashy-throated ParrotbillSuthora alphonsiana Brown-winged ParrotbillSuthora brunnea Eye-ringed ParrotbillSuthora ricketti Fulvous ParrotbillSuthora fulvifrons Golden ParrotbillSuthora verreauxi Gray-hooded ParrotbillSuthora zappeyi Pale-billed ParrotbillSuthora atrosuperciliaris Rusty-throated ParrotbillSuthora przewalskii

Heard a Black-throated Parrotbill?

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