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.

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Birdsong field guide

Coopmans's Elaenia

Elaenia brachyptera

Coopmans's Elaenia is a small, drab tyrant flycatcher of the northern Andes, recently split from the Lesser Elaenia based on distinct vocal and genetic differences.

What it sounds like

A dry, buzzy, and slightly rising 'breeer' or 'zhweer' that lacks the clear whistling quality of its close relatives.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Manuel Sánchez-Nivicela · EcuadorCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

It was named in honor of Paul Coopmans, a renowned Belgian ornithologist who specialized in Neotropical bird vocalizations.
The species is nearly identical to the Lesser Elaenia in plumage, making it one of the most difficult flycatchers to identify by sight alone.
It lacks the prominent white crown patch found in many other Elaenia species, usually showing a more uniform grayish-olive head.
The bird was formally elevated to species status in the early 21st century after its unique 'burry' song was analyzed.
It possesses two narrow white wing bars and a subtle, bushy crest that is typically only visible when the bird is agitated.

Habitat

Montane forest edges, clearings with scattered trees, and humid shrubby areas.

Range

The northern Andes, specifically localized in southwestern Colombia and western Ecuador.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Blue Mountain ElaeniaElaenia fallax Brownish ElaeniaElaenia pelzelni Caribbean ElaeniaElaenia martinica Great ElaeniaElaenia dayi Highland ElaeniaElaenia obscura Hispaniolan ElaeniaElaenia cherriei Large ElaeniaElaenia spectabilis Lesser ElaeniaElaenia chiriquensis

Heard a Coopmans's Elaenia?

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