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

Common Chiffchaff

Phylloscopus collybita

The Common Chiffchaff is a small, restless leaf warbler characterized by its olive-green plumage and rhythmic, onomatopoeic song. It is a widespread insectivore and one of the first migratory species to return to northern breeding grounds in early spring.

What it sounds like

A rhythmic, metallic, two-note song sounding like 'chiff-chaff-chiff-chaff'; the call is a soft, rising 'hweet'.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Jaime Miralles · SwedenCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

Named onomatopoeically for its distinctive, repetitive 'chiff-chaff' song which it performs from high perches.
Nearly identical to the Willow Warbler, it is best distinguished by its darker legs and a habit of frequently flicking its tail downward.
Though primarily migratory, increasing numbers are overwintering in Western Europe due to milder winter temperatures.
Constructs a 'tent' or dome-shaped nest with a side entrance, typically positioned very close to the ground in dense vegetation.
Despite its small size, it is highly territorial during the breeding season and will actively drive away larger intruders.

Habitat

Open deciduous and mixed woodlands, copses, scrubland, and large gardens with plenty of canopy cover.

Range

Breeds across most of Europe and northern Asia; winters in southern Europe, North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Alström's WarblerPhylloscopus soror Arctic WarblerPhylloscopus borealis Ashy-throated WarblerPhylloscopus maculipennis Biak Leaf WarblerPhylloscopus misoriensis Bianchi's WarblerPhylloscopus valentini Black-capped Woodland-WarblerPhylloscopus herberti Blyth's Leaf WarblerPhylloscopus reguloides Brooks's Leaf WarblerPhylloscopus subviridis

Heard a Common Chiffchaff?

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