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

European Stonechat

Saxicola rubicola

A small, bold passerine known for its upright posture and habit of perching conspicuously on the tops of shrubs. Males are identified by their black heads, white neck patches, and vibrant orange-red breasts.

What it sounds like

A sharp, metallic 'tsak-tsak' alarm call and a short, hurried, scratchy song delivered from a high perch.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Thijs Calu · BelgiumCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

Its common name refers to its distinct call, which sounds remarkably like two pebbles being struck together.
Unlike many European insectivores, populations in milder maritime climates often remain in their territories year-round.
The species was historically treated as conspecific with the Siberian and African Stonechats before being split based on genetic evidence.
They are highly territorial and will aggressively dive-bomb larger birds or even mammals that approach their nesting site.
They frequently perform 'wing-flicking' while perched, a behavioral trait used to flush insects or signal alertness.

Habitat

Open country with scattered low bushes, coastal dunes, heathlands, and rough grasslands rich in gorse.

Range

Western and Southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East.

Similar & commonly confused birds

African StonechatSaxicola torquatus Amur StonechatSaxicola stejnegeri Fuerteventura StonechatSaxicola dacotiae Gray BushchatSaxicola ferreus Jerdon's BushchatSaxicola jerdoni Pied BushchatSaxicola caprata Reunion StonechatSaxicola tectes Siberian StonechatSaxicola maurus

Heard a European Stonechat?

Open Birdsong, tap record, and identify the bird singing near you in seconds — then collect it in your field journal.

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