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

Chestnut-collared Swallow

Petrochelidon rufocollaris

A small, gregarious swallow of western South America distinguished by its prominent chestnut neck and colonial nesting habits. It is frequently seen foraging in large flocks over arid coastal plains and Andean foothills.

What it sounds like

A rapid series of dry, squeaky twittering and raspy chattering notes.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:14

Rec. John V. Moore · EcuadorCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

Formerly treated as a subspecies of the North American Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota).
Constructs colonial mud nests that are typically gourd-shaped but usually lack the long entrance tunnels found in related species.
Highly adapted to human-altered landscapes, often nesting on bridges, eaves, and concrete buildings.
Feeds almost exclusively in flight, targeting swarms of small insects over open fields and water bodies.
Displays a distinct pale whitish or buffy forehead patch that provides a sharp contrast against its dark blue-black crown.

Habitat

Arid scrub, agricultural areas, and urban environments near water or nesting sites.

Range

Western Ecuador and Peru, primarily along the Pacific coast and lower Andean slopes.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Cave SwallowPetrochelidon fulva Cliff SwallowPetrochelidon pyrrhonota Fairy MartinPetrochelidon ariel Preuss's SwallowPetrochelidon preussi Red Sea SwallowPetrochelidon perdita Red-throated SwallowPetrochelidon rufigula South African SwallowPetrochelidon spilodera Streak-throated SwallowPetrochelidon fluvicola

Heard a Chestnut-collared Swallow?

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