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

Gentoo Penguin

Pygoscelis papua

The Gentoo Penguin is the third-largest penguin species, distinguished by a prominent white 'bonnet' stripe across the crown and a bright orange-red bill.

What it sounds like

A loud, raucous trumpeting sound or braying, usually delivered while throwing the head back.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Hichem MACHOUK · FranceCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is the fastest swimming bird in the world, capable of reaching underwater speeds of 36 km/h (22 mph).
Gentoo penguins construct circular nests out of stones, which are so highly valued that they are frequently stolen from neighboring nests.
Unlike many other penguin species, Gentoos have a long, stiff tail that sweeps from side to side as they waddle on land.
They are the most northerly dwelling of the Pygoscelis genus, often preferring ice-free ground for breeding.
Both parents share incubation duties for their two eggs, which hatch after approximately 34 to 36 days.

Habitat

Ice-free areas including rocky beaches, valleys, and inland cliffs or grassy tufts.

Range

Circumpolar sub-Antarctic islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Adelie PenguinPygoscelis adeliae Chinstrap PenguinPygoscelis antarcticus

Heard a Gentoo Penguin?

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