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

Cut-throat

Amadina fasciata

The Cut-throat is a small, gregarious estrildid finch named for the striking crimson band across the male's throat. It is a hardy, seed-eating species well-adapted to the arid environments of sub-Saharan Africa.

What it sounds like

A low, raspy 'chuk-chuk' and a soft, flute-like 'pwee-pwee' contact call.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Peter Boesman · TanzaniaCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

Only males possess the namesake red throat band, making them easily distinguishable from the more subtly patterned females.
They are opportunistic nesters, frequently occupying the abandoned nests of weavers or sparrows rather than building their own.
The species is highly dependent on water and is rarely found far from a reliable water source.
Outside of the breeding season, they form large nomadic flocks that can include hundreds of individuals.
While primarily granivorous, they become significantly insectivorous during the breeding season to provide protein for their chicks.

Habitat

Dry acacia savannah, semi-arid thornveld, and open grasslands, often near human habitation or agricultural areas.

Range

Widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, ranging from Senegal through the Sahel to Ethiopia and south into South Africa.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Red-headed FinchAmadina erythrocephala

Heard a Cut-throat?

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