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-crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus tyrannulus

The Brown-crested Flycatcher is a large, vocal member of the tyrant flycatcher family characterized by its pale yellow belly and rufous-edged tail feathers. It is the largest Myiarchus species in the United States and is known for its bold, territorial behavior.

What it sounds like

A loud, sharp, rising 'whit' or 'whip' and a harsh, rolling 'rrreeeep' whistle.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:27

Rec. JAYRSON ARAUJO DE OLIVEIRA · BrazilCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is the largest member of the Myiarchus genus found in North America, reaching lengths of up to 9.5 inches.
This species frequently lines its cavity nest with shed snakeskins, a behavior thought to deter potential nest predators.
They are secondary cavity nesters, commonly utilizing old woodpecker holes in saguaro cacti or riparian trees.
While primarily insectivorous, they consume a higher proportion of fruit and berries than many other flycatcher species.
Pairs are highly territorial and are known to aggressively mob larger intruders, including hawks and owls, near their nest sites.

Habitat

Riparian woodlands, saguaro cactus deserts, and tropical deciduous forests.

Range

Southwestern United States and southern Texas through Mexico and Central America to northern Argentina.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Apical FlycatcherMyiarchus apicalis Ash-throated FlycatcherMyiarchus cinerascens Dusky-capped FlycatcherMyiarchus tuberculifer Galapagos FlycatcherMyiarchus magnirostris Great Crested FlycatcherMyiarchus crinitus Grenada FlycatcherMyiarchus nugator La Sagra's FlycatcherMyiarchus sagrae Lesser Antillean FlycatcherMyiarchus oberi

Heard a Brown-crested Flycatcher?

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