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

Eastern Barn Owl

Tyto javanica

A medium-sized, pale owl characterized by its distinct heart-shaped facial disc and nocturnal hunting prowess. It is a key predator of small mammals throughout Southeast Asia and Australasia.

What it sounds like

A long, drawn-out, hissing screech often described as 'shreeee'.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:15

Rec. Tom Cooney · AustraliaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

Possesses asymmetrical ear openings that allow for precise vertical and horizontal sound localization in total darkness.
Feather structures feature specialized serrated edges that break up air turbulence to facilitate near-silent flight.
The rigid feathers of the facial disc act as a parabolic reflector, funneling faint sounds directly into the ear canals.
Unlike many owls, it does not produce a hoot, instead emitting a piercing, raspy screech to defend territory.
Known as a prolific rodent hunter, a single pair can consume over 1,000 rats or mice during a breeding season.

Habitat

Open grasslands, agricultural fields, wooded savannas, and urban fringes.

Range

Southeast Asia, the Malay Archipelago, Australia, and various Pacific islands.

Similar & commonly confused birds

African Grass-OwlTyto capensis American Barn OwlTyto furcata Andaman Masked-OwlTyto deroepstorffi Ashy-faced OwlTyto glaucops Australasian Grass-OwlTyto longimembris Australian Masked-OwlTyto novaehollandiae Barn OwlTyto alba Golden Masked-OwlTyto aurantia

Heard a Eastern Barn Owl?

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