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 Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

A medium-sized, charcoal-gray marsh bird recognized by its bright red frontal shield and bill tipped with yellow. It is frequently seen swimming or walking across floating vegetation in freshwater wetlands.

What it sounds like

A varied series of loud, rhythmic croaks, clucks, and chicken-like squawks often described as a 'kek-kek-kek'.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Marcos E. Sosa · ArgentinaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

Unlike ducks, they do not have webbed feet; instead, they have long, slender toes that allow them to walk across lily pads.
Until 2011, they were considered the same species as the Common Moorhen found in Eurasia and Africa.
Common Gallinules are highly territorial and will use aggressive postures, such as lowering their heads and charging, to defend their nests.
They often build 'dummy' nests or platforms near their actual nest to serve as resting spots for their young.
Chicks are precocial and can swim almost immediately after hatching, though they often have bright red bills and orange facial 'whiskers' when young.

Habitat

Freshwater marshes, ponds, canals, and lakes with abundant emergent vegetation like cattails and lily pads.

Range

Found throughout the Americas, ranging from the eastern United States and Caribbean to South America.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Dusky MoorhenGallinula tenebrosa Eurasian MoorhenGallinula chloropus Gough MoorhenGallinula comeri Makira MoorhenGallinula silvestris Samoan MoorhenGallinula pacifica Tristan MoorhenGallinula nesiotis

Heard a Common Gallinule?

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