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

Collared Forest-Falcon

Micrastur semitorquatus

The Collared Forest-Falcon is the largest member of its genus, a secretive and powerful Neotropical raptor adapted for hunting within dense forest undergrowth.

What it sounds like

A repetitive, mournful, and nasal 'ow' or 'wah' delivered in a slow series, primarily during dawn and dusk.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:58

Rec. Manuel Sánchez-Nivicela · EcuadorCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

It possesses a facial disc similar to an owl's, which enhances its hearing to locate prey in dark forest conditions.
The species is highly polymorphic, occurring in pale, tawny, and completely melanistic color morphs.
It is a versatile predator that often follows army ant swarms to capture birds and lizards flushed by the insects.
Despite its large size, it is rarely seen due to its habit of perching motionless in thick subcanopy vegetation.
Its physical adaptations, including a long tail and short wings, provide exceptional agility for navigating through tangled vines.

Habitat

Dense lowland tropical rainforests, deciduous forests, and mature secondary growth.

Range

Central Mexico south through Central America to northern Argentina and Paraguay.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Barred Forest-FalconMicrastur ruficollis Buckley's Forest-FalconMicrastur buckleyi Cryptic Forest-FalconMicrastur mintoni Lined Forest-FalconMicrastur gilvicollis Plumbeous Forest-FalconMicrastur plumbeus Slaty-backed Forest-FalconMicrastur mirandollei

Heard a Collared Forest-Falcon?

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