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

Downy Woodpecker

Dryobates pubescens

The smallest woodpecker in North America, the Downy Woodpecker is a common backyard visitor known for its acrobatic foraging and checkered black-and-white plumage.

What it sounds like

A sharp, high-pitched 'pik' note and a descending whinny call.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Valerie Heemstra · United StatesCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is nearly identical in plumage to the Hairy Woodpecker but is smaller with a much shorter, chisel-like bill.
The species performs 'drumming' on resonant surfaces to establish territory and attract mates rather than singing.
Specialized nasal tufts of feathers protect its nostrils from inhaling wood dust while excavating holes.
Males are distinguished from females by a small, bright red patch on the back of the crown.
They often join mixed-species foraging flocks in winter with chickadees and nuthatches for increased protection from predators.

Habitat

Deciduous forests, woodlots, orchards, and suburban parks or gardens.

Range

Most of North America, from Alaska and Canada across the United States to the Gulf Coast.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Crimson-naped WoodpeckerDryobates cathpharius Hairy WoodpeckerDryobates villosus Ladder-backed WoodpeckerDryobates scalaris Lesser Spotted WoodpeckerDryobates minor Necklaced WoodpeckerDryobates pernyii Nuttall's WoodpeckerDryobates nuttallii

Heard a Downy Woodpecker?

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