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 Merganser

Mergus merganser

The Common Merganser is a large, elegant diving duck characterized by its long, serrated bill used for catching fish in freshwater environments.

What it sounds like

Generally silent, but females produce a harsh, raspy 'krr-krr' or 'gack' when disturbed.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / --:--

Rec. Joost van Bruggen · EstoniaCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

Equipped with specialized 'saw-teeth' along the bill edges to firmly grip slippery prey.
Known as cavity nesters, they often select tree hollows up to 100 feet above the ground.
Ducklings depart the nest by jumping from the tree cavity, falling long distances to the ground unharmed.
Often seen in 'creches,' where a single female may lead a group of 40 or more ducklings from multiple broods.
They are heavy-bodied ducks that require a long running start across the water's surface to take flight.

Habitat

Clear, forested lakes and rivers in summer; large lakes, rivers, and ice-free coastal bays in winter.

Range

Widespread across the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Auckland Islands MerganserMergus australis Brazilian MerganserMergus octosetaceus Red-breasted MerganserMergus serrator Scaly-sided MerganserMergus squamatus

Heard a Common Merganser?

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