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

Blue-billed Duck

Oxyura australis

The Blue-billed Duck is a small, shy diving duck endemic to Australia, characterized by the male's vibrant sky-blue bill during the breeding season.

What it sounds like

Usually silent, but males produce low-pitched rattling or chattering sounds during complex courtship displays.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Ramit Singal · AustraliaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

Males undergo a dramatic seasonal transformation, developing chestnut plumage and a brilliant blue bill specifically for breeding.
As a member of the 'stiff-tailed' group, it often cocks its rigid tail feathers vertically while floating.
They are almost entirely aquatic and rarely walk on land due to their legs being positioned far back on the body for efficient diving.
During courtship, males perform elaborate 'sous-marine' displays where they dive and move rapidly beneath the surface to impress females.
They are highly cryptic and prefer to dive rather than fly when threatened, often remaining submerged for extended periods.

Habitat

Deep, permanent freshwater wetlands and swamps with dense perimeter vegetation.

Range

Southern Australia, primarily the southwest and southeast regions, including Tasmania.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Andean DuckOxyura ferruginea Lake DuckOxyura vittata Maccoa DuckOxyura maccoa Ruddy DuckOxyura jamaicensis White-headed DuckOxyura leucocephala

Heard a Blue-billed Duck?

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