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 Violetear

Colibri delphinae

A medium-sized, primarily dull-brown hummingbird distinguished by its iridescent violet ear patches and a shimmering green malar stripe. It is an aggressive nectar-feeder often found in the middle to upper levels of the forest canopy.

What it sounds like

A repetitive, dry, metallic 'tseet' or 'chip' sound, often given in a quick, rhythmic series.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 2:36

Rec. Marc Anderson · EcuadorCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

Features a distinctive violet-blue patch of feathers extending back from the eye that can be flared during territorial displays.
Unlike most hummingbirds, it has relatively somber brownish-gray plumage, which helps it blend into shaded forest interiors.
Known for its highly aggressive behavior at feeders and flower patches, frequently chasing away larger competitors.
Engages in altitudinal migration, moving between different elevations in response to the flowering cycles of its food plants.
Possesses a short, straight black bill and a tail marked by a dark subterminal band with pale cinnamon tips.

Habitat

Humid montane forests, forest edges, clearings, and shade-grown coffee plantations.

Range

Central and South America, from southern Belize to the Guianas, and south to Bolivia and Brazil.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Lesser VioletearColibri cyanotus Mexican VioletearColibri thalassinus Sparkling VioletearColibri coruscans White-vented VioletearColibri serrirostris

Heard a Brown Violetear?

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