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

Cryptic Forest-Falcon

Micrastur mintoni

A small, elusive Neotropical raptor identified as a distinct species in 2002 based primarily on its unique vocalizations. It is characterized by slate-gray upperparts, finely barred underparts, and striking orange-yellow facial skin.

What it sounds like

A rhythmic series of low-pitched, barking notes described as 'uk, uk, uk, uk', typically delivered at dawn.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 2:13

Rec. Joost van Bruggen · BrazilCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

This species remained unrecognized by science for decades because it is morphologically nearly identical to the Lined Forest-Falcon.
It is a specialist of the forest interior, using its short wings and long tail to maneuver rapidly through dense undergrowth.
Individuals are known to follow army ant swarms to capture insects and small vertebrates flushed by the moving ants.
Unlike most falcons that hunt in the open, this species relies on stealth and ambush from low perches within the canopy shadows.
The species was named in honor of the late Australian ornithologist and shorebird expert Minton.

Habitat

Primary lowland evergreen forests and terra firme tropical rainforests.

Range

Southeastern Amazon Basin, primarily in Brazil and northern Bolivia.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Barred Forest-FalconMicrastur ruficollis Buckley's Forest-FalconMicrastur buckleyi Collared Forest-FalconMicrastur semitorquatus Lined Forest-FalconMicrastur gilvicollis Plumbeous Forest-FalconMicrastur plumbeus Slaty-backed Forest-FalconMicrastur mirandollei

Heard a Cryptic Forest-Falcon?

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