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 Rock-Thrush

Monticola rupestris

The Cape Rock-Thrush is a large, conspicuous songbird endemic to southern Africa, known for its upright posture and affinity for rocky terrain.

What it sounds like

A series of loud, clear, fluty whistles and melodic phrases, often incorporating mimicry of other avian species.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:39

Rec. Tim Cockcroft · South AfricaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is the largest of the rock-thrush species found within the southern African subregion.
The species displays sexual dimorphism, with males featuring slate-blue heads while females have mottled brown heads.
It is a monogamous breeder that typically constructs its cup-shaped nest in rock crevices or on building ledges.
Its diet is omnivorous, consisting of a wide variety of insects, spiders, small lizards, and occasionally berries.
Unlike many other montane birds, it has adapted well to human presence and is frequently seen on rooftops in suburban areas.

Habitat

Mountainous slopes, rocky outcrops, and high-altitude grasslands, as well as rural and suburban gardens.

Range

Endemic to South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Amber Mountain Rock-ThrushMonticola erythronotus Blue Rock-ThrushMonticola solitarius Blue-capped Rock-ThrushMonticola cinclorhyncha Chestnut-bellied Rock-ThrushMonticola rufiventris Forest Rock-ThrushMonticola sharpei Little Rock-ThrushMonticola rufocinereus Littoral Rock-ThrushMonticola imerina Miombo Rock-ThrushMonticola angolensis

Heard a Cape Rock-Thrush?

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