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 Duck

Lophonetta specularioides

A medium-sized, mottled brown South American duck characterized by a bushy occipital crest and striking red or orange eyes.

What it sounds like

Females produce a harsh, repetitive barking 'worr-worr,' while males emit a thin, wheezy whistle.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 1:04

Rec. Cristian Pinto · ArgentinaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is known for its highly aggressive territorial behavior, often attacking other waterfowl species regardless of size.
Unlike many dabbling ducks, it lacks strong sexual dimorphism; both males and females possess the eponymous shaggy crest.
The species is split into two subspecies: one inhabiting high-altitude Andean lakes and another occupying coastal marine environments.
Its wing speculum is a distinctive coppery-bronze color with a wide white trailing edge, visible primarily in flight.
During the breeding season, it often nests in tall grass or among rocks, typically near water but occasionally well away from it.

Habitat

High-altitude Andean lakes (Puna), coastal kelp forests, and sheltered marine bays.

Range

Southern South America, including the Andes of Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, and the Falkland Islands.

Heard a Crested Duck?

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