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

Curve-billed Thrasher

Toxostoma curvirostre

A large, grayish-brown desert mimid characterized by its long, decurved bill and vivid orange-to-yellow eyes. It is a charismatic permanent resident of the arid Southwest, known for its bold behavior and complex song.

What it sounds like

A loud, sharp, two-syllable 'whit-wheet!' whistle and a complex song of melodic warbles mixed with harsh notes.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Pat Goltz · United StatesCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

Primarily nests within the spiny branches of cholla cacti to protect its young from predators.
Uses its sickle-shaped bill to 'thrash' through soil and leaf litter, a behavior that gives the species its name.
Comprised of two distinct morphological groups: the 'Palmer' group (western) and the 'Curvirostre' group (eastern).
Is significantly more comfortable around human habitation than most other thrasher species, often visiting suburban yards.
Maintains and defends its territory throughout the entire year rather than just during the breeding season.

Habitat

Arid desert scrub, brushlands, and suburban gardens, particularly those containing cholla, prickly pear, or saguaro cacti.

Range

Southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas) and south through the Mexican Plateau to Oaxaca.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Bendire's ThrasherToxostoma bendirei Brown ThrasherToxostoma rufum California ThrasherToxostoma redivivum Cozumel ThrasherToxostoma guttatum Crissal ThrasherToxostoma crissale Gray ThrasherToxostoma cinereum LeConte's ThrasherToxostoma lecontei Long-billed ThrasherToxostoma longirostre

Heard a Curve-billed Thrasher?

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Identify a bird by its song