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

Brazilian Merganser

Mergus octosetaceus

The Brazilian Merganser is a critically endangered, non-migratory diving duck recognized by its dark plumage, slender serrated bill, and distinctive long crest.

What it sounds like

Mostly silent, but emits a harsh, low-pitched 'crak-crak' or guttural barking when alarmed.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Caio Brito · BrazilCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is one of the world's most threatened waterfowl, with a global population estimated at fewer than 250 individuals.
The species name 'octosetaceus' refers to the bird's eight pairs of internal tail feathers (rectrices).
As an apex predator of clear-water rivers, it serves as a critical bioindicator for pristine, unpolluted aquatic ecosystems.
Unlike most ducks, it is strictly territorial and remains in the same stretch of river year-round rather than migrating.
They are secondary cavity nesters, utilizing hollow trees or rock crevices located high above fast-flowing rapids.

Habitat

Clear, fast-flowing rivers and streams with rapids and gallery forests.

Range

South-central Brazil (notably Serra da Canastra and Chapada dos Veadeiros), with relic populations in Argentina.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Auckland Islands MerganserMergus australis Common MerganserMergus merganser Red-breasted MerganserMergus serrator Scaly-sided MerganserMergus squamatus

Heard a Brazilian Merganser?

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