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

Chimango Caracara

Daptrius chimango

The Chimango Caracara is a highly adaptable, small bird of prey known for its opportunistic feeding habits and social nature. It is one of the most common and visible raptors across the southern cone of South America.

What it sounds like

A loud, raspy, and descending 'chee-mang-go' or a harsh, repetitive 'kraw-kraw-kraw'.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

No reference call found yet · Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is a versatile generalist that consumes carrion, insects, small vertebrates, and even fruit or human refuse.
During flight, it displays distinctive pale buff-colored 'windows' on the primary feathers of its wings.
Unlike many other raptors, it is frequently seen in large communal groups, especially when scavenging at landfills or plowed fields.
The species is known for its high intelligence and boldness, often approaching humans or habituated areas to steal food.
It is an extremely successful colonizer of modified landscapes, thriving in urban centers and intensive agricultural zones.

Habitat

Savannas, grasslands, agricultural fields, coastal dunes, and urban areas.

Range

Southern South America, including Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, and southern Brazil.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Black CaracaraDaptrius ater Carunculated CaracaraDaptrius carunculatus Mountain CaracaraDaptrius megalopterus Striated CaracaraDaptrius australis White-throated CaracaraDaptrius albogularis Yellow-headed CaracaraDaptrius chimachima

Heard a Chimango Caracara?

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