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

Cape Cormorant

Phalacrocorax capensis

The Cape Cormorant is a medium-sized, highly gregarious seabird endemic to the southwestern coast of Africa, recognized by its glossy black plumage and vibrant orange gular skin.

What it sounds like

Usually silent at sea; at colonies, they emit deep, guttural croaks, grunts, and hissing sounds.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

Field notes

They are known for flying in long, low-level strings or 'V' formations just above the waves.
The species is currently classified as Endangered, primarily due to the commercial overfishing of their main prey, sardines and anchovies.
Unlike many other waterbirds, their plumage is not fully waterproof, which reduces buoyancy and allows for more efficient pursuit diving.
Breeding colonies are exceptionally dense, sometimes hosting over 100,000 individuals on offshore islands or guano platforms.
The bright orange-yellow patch at the base of the bill becomes significantly more intense in color during the peak breeding season.

Habitat

Cold coastal waters, rocky shorelines, and offshore islands.

Range

Southwestern coast of Africa, ranging from southern Angola to the Eastern Cape of South Africa.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Bank CormorantPhalacrocorax neglectus Black-faced CormorantPhalacrocorax fuscescens Great CormorantPhalacrocorax carbo Indian CormorantPhalacrocorax fuscicollis Indian CormorantPhalacrocorax fuscicollis Japanese CormorantPhalacrocorax capillatus Little Black CormorantPhalacrocorax sulcirostris Pied CormorantPhalacrocorax varius

Heard a Cape Cormorant?

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