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

Chinese Francolin

Francolinus pintadeanus

The Chinese Francolin is a medium-sized terrestrial gamebird known for its striking white-spotted black plumage and loud, rhythmic territorial calls.

What it sounds like

A harsh, four-syllable rhythmic cackle often interpreted as 'come to the peak-ha-ha'.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Ding Li Yong · CambodiaCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

Its specific epithet, 'pintadeanus', is derived from the Portuguese word for guinea fowl due to their similar spotted patterns.
It is the only member of the genus Francolinus naturally distributed in East and Southeast Asia.
Males are highly territorial and typically deliver their vocalizations from elevated vantage points like rocks or mounds.
The species possesses strong legs with males sporting sharp tarsal spurs used in physical combat with rivals.
Though native to mainland Asia, it has been successfully introduced to island regions including Mauritius, Madagascar, and Reunion.

Habitat

Dry open forest, scrubland, bamboo thickets, and rocky grassy hillsides.

Range

Southern China and Mainland Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Black FrancolinFrancolinus francolinus Painted FrancolinFrancolinus pictus

Heard a Chinese Francolin?

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