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 Parisoma

Curruca lugens

The Brown Parisoma is a small, drab Old World warbler endemic to the highland regions of East Africa, recognized for its restless foraging within acacia canopies. Though visually unassuming, it is noted for its complex and melodic vocalizations that enliven montane forest edges.

What it sounds like

A rich, fluid series of warbling notes and whistles, often punctuated by dry, chattering 'tsh-tsh' alarm calls.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. isaac kilusu · TanzaniaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

Recent molecular phylogenetic studies led to its reclassification from the genus Parisoma to Curruca, grouping it with typical whitethroats.
It displays a distinctive habit of frequently fanning its tail to reveal white outer rectrices, a behavior used in territorial signaling.
The species is highly specialized for montane environments, typically occurring at altitudes between 1,400 and 3,500 meters.
Unlike many European warblers, the Brown Parisoma is largely sedentary, remaining in its highland range year-round rather than migrating.
It is often found in commensal association with flat-top Acacia trees, where it gleans small insects and larvae from the foliage.

Habitat

Montane forest edges, acacia-dominated woodlands, scrubby gardens, and highland evergreen thickets.

Range

Eastern Africa, including Ethiopia, South Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, and northern Malawi.

Similar & commonly confused birds

African Desert WarblerCurruca deserti Arabian WarblerCurruca leucomelaena Asian Desert WarblerCurruca nana Balearic WarblerCurruca balearica Banded ParisomaCurruca boehmi Barred WarblerCurruca nisoria Chestnut-vented WarblerCurruca subcoerulea Cyprus WarblerCurruca melanothorax

Heard a Brown Parisoma?

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