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 Eagle-Owl

Bubo capensis

A powerful, large owl native to African highlands, characterized by its striking orange eyes and bold, dark-blotched breast plumage.

What it sounds like

A deep, resonant, two-syllable hoot, typically transcribed as 'huu-huu', with the second note slightly higher.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 1:25

Rec. Lynette Rudman · South AfricaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It possesses exceptionally large and powerful feet and talons, adapted for capturing formidable prey.
The primary diet consists of mammals like rock hyraxes and hares, sometimes including prey nearly its own weight.
The species is divided into three geographically isolated subspecies: capensis, mackinderi, and dillonii.
Unlike many arboreal owls, it typically nests on the ground on rocky ledges or beneath mountain bushes.
Its vibrant orange-yellow irises are a key diagnostic feature distinguishing it from the yellow-eyed Spotted Eagle-Owl.

Habitat

Mountainous terrain, rocky gorges, and craggy escarpments.

Range

Discontinuous populations across East and Southern Africa, from Eritrea to South Africa.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Arabian Eagle-OwlBubo milesi Eurasian Eagle-OwlBubo bubo Grayish Eagle-OwlBubo cinerascens Great Horned OwlBubo virginianus Lesser Horned OwlBubo magellanicus Pharaoh Eagle-OwlBubo ascalaphus Rock Eagle-OwlBubo bengalensis Snowy OwlBubo scandiacus

Heard a Cape Eagle-Owl?

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