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 Spurfowl

Pternistis capensis

A large, robust terrestrial gamebird endemic to southern Africa, recognized by its dark, finely vermiculated plumage and noisy disposition.

What it sounds like

A loud, raucous, and repetitive 'cack-cack-cack' that often accelerates and can be heard from a great distance.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

Field notes

It is the largest spurfowl species, reaching up to 42 centimeters in length.
Unlike most galliforms, males and females look nearly identical, though males are larger and possess sharp leg spurs.
They are highly adapted to human presence and are frequently seen foraging in suburban gardens and along roadsides.
The species is monogamous and typically nests in a simple scrape on the ground concealed by dense vegetation.
They have a varied diet consisting of fallen seeds, underground tubers, berries, and a significant amount of insects.

Habitat

Fynbos, renosterveld, scrubby valleys, and agricultural lands, typically near a permanent water source.

Range

Endemic to the Western Cape and Northern Cape provinces of South Africa, extending slightly into southern Namibia.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Ahanta SpurfowlPternistis ahantensis Chestnut-naped SpurfowlPternistis castaneicollis Clapperton's SpurfowlPternistis clappertoni Djibouti SpurfowlPternistis ochropectus Double-spurred SpurfowlPternistis bicalcaratus Erckel's SpurfowlPternistis erckelii Gray-breasted SpurfowlPternistis rufopictus Gray-striped SpurfowlPternistis griseostriatus

Heard a Cape Spurfowl?

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