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 Lapwing

Vanellus melanopterus

The Black-winged Lapwing is a medium-sized African plover known for its striking white-and-black wing pattern and preference for highland grasslands.

What it sounds like

A rapid, high-pitched metallic 'tchee-tchee-tchee' or 'vit-vit-vit' usually given in flight.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Frank Lambert · South AfricaCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

Distinguished from the Lesser Black-winged Lapwing by its larger size and the broad white bar visible across its upperwings in flight.
It is a highly gregarious species that often forages in small, tight-knit flocks rather than as solitary individuals.
The species is partially nomadic, frequently moving to find recently burnt grasslands or areas with very short turf.
Unlike many related plovers, it exhibits significant nocturnal activity, often calling and foraging during moonlit nights.
The adults possess a diagnostic white forehead patch and a bright red orbital ring around the eye.

Habitat

High-altitude short-grass plains, montane grasslands, and recently burnt veld.

Range

Disjunct populations in the highlands of Eastern Africa (Ethiopia to Tanzania) and Southern Africa.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Andean LapwingVanellus resplendens Banded LapwingVanellus tricolor Black-headed LapwingVanellus tectus Blacksmith LapwingVanellus armatus Brown-chested LapwingVanellus superciliosus Crowned LapwingVanellus coronatus Gray-headed LapwingVanellus cinereus Javan LapwingVanellus macropterus

Heard a Black-winged Lapwing?

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