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

Brown Boobook

Ninox scutulata

A medium-sized, hawk-like owl lacking a distinct facial disk, frequently seen in wooded areas across Asia. It is characterized by its streamlined silhouette and active nocturnal hunting behavior.

What it sounds like

A rhythmic, mellow two-note 'whoo-wup' or 'pomp-pom', repeated at steady intervals of several seconds.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Dr S S Suresh · IndiaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is often referred to as the Oriental Hawk-Owl due to its pointed wings and long tail which resemble a hawk in flight.
Unlike most owls, it lacks the specialized comb-like fringes on its primary feathers, making its flight audible but more aerodynamic for chasing fast prey.
The species is largely insectivorous, specialized in catching large beetles, moths, and dragonflies mid-air.
It has bright yellow irises and lacks the 'ear' tufts found in many other Asian owl species.
During the breeding season, pairs engage in frequent duets, which help maintain territory and pair bonds.

Habitat

Broadleaf forests, mangroves, wooded gardens, and suburban parks with mature trees.

Range

Widespread across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia, from India and Sri Lanka to Japan and Indonesia.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Alor BoobookNinox plesseni Andaman BoobookNinox affinis Australian BoobookNinox boobook Barking OwlNinox connivens Bismarck BoobookNinox variegata Buru BoobookNinox hantu Camiguin BoobookNinox leventisi Cebu BoobookNinox rumseyi

Heard a Brown Boobook?

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