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

Burchell's Starling

Lamprotornis australis

The Burchell's Starling is a large, social glossy starling endemic to the savannas of southern Africa, distinguished by its robust size and dark-eyed appearance.

What it sounds like

A loud, raucous medley of harsh creaks, chattering notes, and occasional liquid whistles.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Marc Anderson · South AfricaCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is the largest member of the Lamprotornis genus, reaching a length of up to 34 centimeters.
Unlike many other glossy starlings that have bright yellow or white eyes, this species possesses dark brown irises.
It exhibits a distinctive rolling gait when foraging on the ground, rather than the hopping movement seen in smaller starlings.
The species is a secondary cavity nester, often utilizing old woodpecker holes or natural crevices in large acacia trees.
Its iridescent plumage can appear oily or purple-bronze depending on the angle of light, despite appearing nearly black in shadow.

Habitat

Open savanna, dry acacia woodland, and riverine scrubland, usually near permanent water sources.

Range

Southern Africa, spanning Botswana, Namibia, southern Angola, Zimbabwe, and northern South Africa.

Similar & commonly confused birds

African Pied StarlingLamprotornis bicolor Ashy StarlingLamprotornis unicolor Bronze-tailed StarlingLamprotornis chalcurus Cape StarlingLamprotornis nitens Chestnut-bellied StarlingLamprotornis pulcher Emerald StarlingLamprotornis iris Fischer's StarlingLamprotornis fischeri Golden-breasted StarlingLamprotornis regius

Heard a Burchell's Starling?

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