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

Congo Martin

Riparia congica

The Congo Martin is a small, specialized swallow endemic to the major river systems of the Congo Basin, where it lives in large, social colonies.

What it sounds like

A faint, buzzing 'tshrip' or 'chit' sound, softer and less harsh than that of the Sand Martin.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

No reference call found yet · Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is one of the smallest swallows in the world, typically measuring only 11 centimeters in length.
Unlike many other martins, it is largely non-migratory and remains near its breeding rivers year-round.
It nests by excavating horizontal tunnels up to one meter deep into vertical sandy riverbanks during low water periods.
The species is distinguished from the similar Sand Martin by its smaller size and more diffused, less distinct brown breast band.
It is primarily an aerial insectivore, foraging in low-flying groups over open water and riverine vegetation.

Habitat

Large lowland rivers with exposed sandy or earthen banks required for colonial nesting.

Range

Central Africa, specifically along the Congo and Ubangi rivers within the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Republic of the Congo.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Bank SwallowRiparia riparia Gray-throated MartinRiparia chinensis Madagascar MartinRiparia cowani Pale MartinRiparia diluta Plain MartinRiparia paludicola

Heard a Congo Martin?

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