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

Comoro Scops-Owl

Otus pauliani

The Comoro Scops-Owl is a small, elusive raptor endemic to the slopes of Mount Karthala on Grande Comore. It is currently classified as Endangered due to its extremely small and vulnerable geographic range.

What it sounds like

A rhythmic series of low-pitched, hooting 'choo-chog' or 'whoo-whoo' notes.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Ross Gallardy · ComorosCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is found exclusively on the active volcano Mount Karthala on the island of Ngazidja.
The species was only scientifically described in 1959, making it a relatively recent discovery for the genus.
It exists in two distinct color phases: a dark grayish-brown morph and a rarer rufous morph.
The total extent of its suitable habitat is estimated to be less than 40 square kilometers.
Invasive Common Mynas pose a significant threat by competing with this owl for limited nesting cavities.

Habitat

Primary humid montane forest and cloud forest, predominantly above 600 meters elevation.

Range

Grande Comore (Ngazidja), Comoro Islands.

Similar & commonly confused birds

African Scops-OwlOtus senegalensis Andaman Scops-OwlOtus balli Anjouan Scops-OwlOtus capnodes Arabian Scops-OwlOtus pamelae Banggai Scops-OwlOtus mendeni Biak Scops-OwlOtus beccarii Collared Scops-OwlOtus lettia Cyprus Scops-OwlOtus cyprius

Heard a Comoro Scops-Owl?

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