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 Flycatcher

Myiodynastes chrysocephalus

A large, streaked flycatcher of Andean montane forests, distinguished by its concealed bright yellow crown patch and bold facial markings.

What it sounds like

High-pitched, squeaky 'tsip' or 'pseet' calls and a repetitive, rhythmic dawn song.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 1:09

Rec. Marc Anderson · EcuadorCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

It belongs to the genus Myiodynastes, which includes some of the largest members of the tyrant flycatcher family.
The namesake golden crown is usually semi-concealed and only revealed during displays or moments of agitation.
While primarily an aerial insectivore, it is known to supplement its diet with various small fruits and berries.
It frequently nests in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes, often at considerable heights above the ground.
This species exhibits strong territoriality, aggressively defending its nesting area against much larger avian intruders.

Habitat

Humid montane forests, cloud forests, and wooded edges.

Range

Highlands from eastern Panama and the Andes of Venezuela south to northwestern Argentina.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Baird's FlycatcherMyiodynastes bairdii Golden-bellied FlycatcherMyiodynastes hemichrysus Streaked FlycatcherMyiodynastes maculatus Streaked FlycatcherMyiodynastes maculatus Sulphur-bellied FlycatcherMyiodynastes luteiventris

Heard a Golden-crowned Flycatcher?

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