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

Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl

Glaucidium brasilianum

A small, aggressive diurnal owl characterized by its long tail and distinctive 'false eyes' on the nape of its neck.

What it sounds like

A monotonous, rapid series of rhythmic, hollow-sounding whistled notes: 'pooi-pooi-pooi-pooi'.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Franciel da Silva Lima · BrazilCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

Possesses two prominent black eyespots (ocelli) on the back of the head to deter predators and confuse mobbing songbirds.
Unlike most owls, it is primarily diurnal or crepuscular, frequently hunting in full daylight.
Lacks the specialized serrated wing feathers for silent flight, as it relies more on speed and surprise during pursuit.
Exhibits a bold temperament, regularly taking down prey items such as lizards and birds that are larger than itself.
Often cocks or wags its relatively long tail from side to side when excited or perched.

Habitat

Thorn scrub, tropical dry forests, gallery woodlands, and urban parks with mature trees.

Range

Southern Arizona and Texas in the United States, extending south through Central America to central Argentina.

Similar & commonly confused birds

African Barred OwletGlaucidium capense Albertine OwletGlaucidium albertinum Amazonian Pygmy-OwlGlaucidium hardyi Andean Pygmy-OwlGlaucidium jardinii Asian Barred OwletGlaucidium cuculoides Austral Pygmy-OwlGlaucidium nana Central American Pygmy-OwlGlaucidium griseiceps Chestnut-backed OwletGlaucidium castanotum

Heard a Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl?

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