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

Golden-crowned Emerald

Cynanthus auriceps

A small, vibrant hummingbird endemic to western Mexico, distinguished by the male's iridescent golden-green crown and bright reddish bill.

What it sounds like

A series of sharp, rapid 'chi-dit' notes and dry, metallic chattering.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:42

Rec. Charlie Vogt · MexicoCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is strictly endemic to the Pacific slope and central regions of Mexico.
Males possess a deeply forked, blue-black tail that is conspicuous during flight and displays.
The species was formerly considered a subspecies of the Broad-billed Hummingbird but is now recognized as distinct based on plumage and vocalizations.
They are highly territorial and aggressive, frequently defending nectar-rich floral patches from larger competitors.
Nests are delicate, cup-shaped structures built from plant fibers and lichen, held together with spider silk.

Habitat

Tropical dry forests, thorn scrub, plantations, and semi-open woodland borders.

Range

Western Mexico, ranging from Sinaloa south to Oaxaca and inland through the Balsas Basin.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Broad-billed HummingbirdCynanthus latirostris Canivet's EmeraldCynanthus canivetii Cozumel EmeraldCynanthus forficatus Tres Marias HummingbirdCynanthus lawrencei Tres Marias HummingbirdCynanthus lawrencei Turquoise-crowned HummingbirdCynanthus doubledayi

Heard a Golden-crowned Emerald?

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