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 Buzzard

Buteo japonicus

The Eastern Buzzard is a medium-sized bird of prey native to East Asia, characterized by its broad, rounded wings and highly variable plumage.

What it sounds like

A high-pitched, drawn-out, and plaintive 'pwee-yoo' or 'mewing' whistle.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:27

Rec. Bo Shunqi 薄顺奇 · ChinaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It was taxonomically split from the Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) based on distinct genetic and vocal differences.
The species is highly polymorphic, with individuals ranging from very pale to deep, dark chocolate brown.
It is a generalist predator, feeding on a wide variety of prey including small rodents, frogs, lizards, and large insects.
During the breeding season, they perform dramatic aerial displays known as 'sky-dancing' to establish territory.
Eastern Buzzards are frequently observed utilizing utility poles and fence posts as hunting perches in agricultural landscapes.

Habitat

Open woodlands, forest edges, grasslands, and cultivated agricultural fields.

Range

Eastern Asia, including Japan, Korea, northeastern China, and southeastern Russia.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Augur BuzzardButeo augur Broad-winged HawkButeo platypterus Common BuzzardButeo buteo Ferruginous HawkButeo regalis Forest BuzzardButeo trizonatus Galapagos HawkButeo galapagoensis Gray HawkButeo plagiatus Gray-lined HawkButeo nitidus

Heard a Eastern Buzzard?

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