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

Crested Becard

Pachyramphus validus

The Crested Becard is the largest member of its genus, characterized by a heavy bill and striking sexual dimorphism.

What it sounds like

A series of high-pitched, thin, descending whistles, often rendered as a clear 'tsee-tsee-tsee-tsee'.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. JAYRSON ARAUJO DE OLIVEIRA · BrazilCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is the largest species in the genus Pachyramphus, reaching lengths of up to 18.5 centimeters.
The species exhibits extreme sexual dichromatism, with males being dark slate-gray and females being bright cinnamon-rufous.
They construct large, globular nests made of moss and dry leaves, often suspended high in the forest canopy.
Their diet is omnivorous, consisting of a mix of large orthopterans and other insects supplemented by small fruits.
Despite their name, the 'crest' is often inconspicuous unless the bird is agitated or displaying during courtship.

Habitat

Humid montane forests, woodland edges, and mature secondary growth.

Range

Widespread in South America, including the Andes from Ecuador to Bolivia and the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Barred BecardPachyramphus versicolor Black-and-white BecardPachyramphus albogriseus Black-capped BecardPachyramphus marginatus Chestnut-crowned BecardPachyramphus castaneus Cinereous BecardPachyramphus rufus Cinnamon BecardPachyramphus cinnamomeus Cryptic BecardPachyramphus salvini Glossy-backed BecardPachyramphus surinamus

Heard a Crested Becard?

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