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

Dusky Grouse

Dendragapus obscurus

A large, dark-plumaged grouse of the Rocky Mountains, well-known for its deep, resonant courtship displays and montane lifestyle.

What it sounds like

A series of 5 to 6 extremely low-frequency, muffled hoots or 'ooms' produced by the male.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:56

Rec. Bruce Lagerquist · United StatesCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

Males possess yellow to reddish-orange cervical apteria (air sacs) that are inflated and displayed during spring lekking.
The species performs a 'reverse' altitudinal migration, moving to higher-elevation coniferous forests during the winter months.
Their winter diet consists almost exclusively of conifer needles, primarily from Douglas-fir, hemlock, and true firs.
Dusky Grouse were taxonomically split from the coastal Sooty Grouse in 2006 based on genetic, vocal, and behavioral differences.
They are often referred to as 'fool hens' because of their tendency to rely on camouflage and remain approachable rather than flushing immediately.

Habitat

Montane coniferous forests, subalpine meadows, and stands of aspen or mountain shrubland.

Range

Interior Rocky Mountains of North America, from the Yukon and Northwest Territories south to Arizona and New Mexico.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Sooty GrouseDendragapus fuliginosus

Heard a Dusky Grouse?

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