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-winged Kite

Elanus caeruleus

A small, elegant raptor characterized by its gull-like appearance, striking red eyes, and distinctive black shoulder patches. It is best known for its ability to hover stationary in the air while scanning for prey.

What it sounds like

Generally quiet, but produces a high-pitched, thin 'wheep' or soft whistling notes during the breeding season.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Esperanza Poveda · SpainCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

Features a specialized hunting technique known as 'kiting,' where it hovers motionless against the wind.
Possesses unique red irises that develop as the bird matures from its juvenile brownish phase.
Is primarily crepuscular, showing peak activity levels during the dim light of dawn and dusk.
Exhibits nomadic behavior, frequently moving to new areas in response to localized rodent outbreaks.
Has a unique wing structure with long, pointed primaries that allow for exceptional maneuverability and near-silent flight.

Habitat

Open grasslands, agricultural fields, savannas, and semi-deserts with scattered trees or poles for perching.

Range

Widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, southern Asia, and the Iberian Peninsula in Europe.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Black-shouldered KiteElanus axillaris Letter-winged KiteElanus scriptus White-tailed KiteElanus leucurus

Heard a Black-winged Kite?

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