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 Gannet

Morus capensis

A large, elegant seabird of the Sulidae family, characterized by its pale plumage, golden-yellow head, and spectacular high-speed plunge-diving.

What it sounds like

A loud, raucous, and rhythmic 'warra-warra-warra' typically restricted to social interactions within breeding colonies.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:34

Rec. JJSUN · South AfricaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

Plunge-dives for prey from heights of up to 30 meters, reaching speeds of 120 km/h upon water entry.
Possesses specialized subcutaneous air sacs in the face and chest that act as cushions against high-velocity impact.
Breeding is restricted to only six offshore islands located along the coasts of Namibia and South Africa.
Engages in elaborate 'fencing' courtship displays where pairs rhythmically clatter their bills together.
Currently classified as Endangered due to overfishing of their primary prey, sardines and anchovies, and guano harvesting.

Habitat

Productive coastal and pelagic waters; nests on flat or gently sloping areas of offshore islands.

Range

Southern African coastline, from the Gulf of Guinea on the west to Mozambique on the east.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Australasian GannetMorus serrator Northern GannetMorus bassanus

Heard a Cape Gannet?

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