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

Chirruping Nightjar

Caprimulgus griseatus

A cryptic, nocturnal insectivore endemic to the Philippines, the Chirruping Nightjar is best known for its rhythmic, staccato vocalizations and its mastery of ground-level camouflage.

What it sounds like

A rapid, rhythmic series of hollow, resonant 'chook-chook-chook' or 'cha-whoo' notes, typically faster than its mainland relatives.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

No reference call found yet · Xeno-canto

Field notes

It was historically considered a subspecies of the Large-tailed Nightjar but was split due to distinct differences in its vocalizations.
The species possesses a tapetum lucidum, a reflective layer behind the retina that creates a vivid orange-red eyeshine when caught in artificial light.
It does not construct a nest, instead laying its camouflaged eggs directly onto the leaf litter of the forest floor.
The bird uses long, stiff rictal bristles around its gape to assist in the tactile detection and capture of nocturnal insects mid-flight.
During the day, it relies on its disruptive plumage—a mix of grey, buff, and brown—to remain virtually invisible while roosting on the ground or low branches.

Habitat

Lowland forests, forest edges, secondary growth, scrublands, and occasionally rural gardens with sufficient cover.

Range

Endemic to the Philippine archipelago.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Andaman NightjarCaprimulgus andamanicus Bates's NightjarCaprimulgus batesi Bonaparte's NightjarCaprimulgus concretus Donaldson Smith's NightjarCaprimulgus donaldsoni Egyptian NightjarCaprimulgus aegyptius Eurasian NightjarCaprimulgus europaeus Fiery-necked NightjarCaprimulgus pectoralis Freckled NightjarCaprimulgus tristigma

Heard a Chirruping Nightjar?

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Identify a bird by its song