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

Flame-colored Tanager

Piranga bidentata

A striking montane songbird of the cardinal family, known for the male's fiery plumage and distinctive dark-streaked back.

What it sounds like

A series of hoarse, burry whistles similar to a Robin but more raspy; call is a dry, metallic 'chup' or 'pree-ter'.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Matthew L. Brady · MexicoCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

The species name 'bidentata' refers to two small tooth-like notches on its upper mandible used for gripping food.
Though traditionally called a tanager, molecular studies have reclassified this species into the cardinal family (Cardinalidae).
It is a rare vagrant to the mountains of southeastern Arizona, where it has been observed hybridizing with Western Tanagers.
Unlike many other Piranga species, the Flame-colored Tanager features prominent dark streaks across its back and mantle.
Its foraging behavior is diverse, ranging from gleaning insects in the canopy to visiting feeders and fruiting trees.

Habitat

Humid montane evergreen forests, pine-oak woodlands, and shaded coffee plantations.

Range

Mountainous regions from northern Mexico through Central America to western Panama.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Hepatic TanagerPiranga flava Red-headed TanagerPiranga erythrocephala Red-hooded TanagerPiranga rubriceps Rose-throated TanagerPiranga roseogularis Scarlet TanagerPiranga olivacea Summer TanagerPiranga rubra Western TanagerPiranga ludoviciana White-winged TanagerPiranga leucoptera

Heard a Flame-colored Tanager?

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

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