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 Masked-Owl

Tyto aurantia

A rare and striking nocturnal raptor endemic to New Britain, distinguished by its vibrant golden-buff plumage and heart-shaped facial disk.

What it sounds like

A powerful, drawn-out hissing scream, characteristic of the Tytonidae family.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

No reference call found yet · Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is strictly endemic to New Britain island in the Bismarck Archipelago of Papua New Guinea.
The species features a unique deep orange or golden-ochre wash on its feathers, setting it apart from the more common Barn Owl.
It is currently classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to its small, fragmented population and ongoing habitat loss.
It is a medium-sized Tyto owl, typically reaching lengths of 27 to 33 centimeters.
Its breeding habits and precise dietary requirements remain largely undocumented due to its secretive nature and remote range.

Habitat

Primary and secondary lowland and hill rainforests.

Range

New Britain, Papua New Guinea

Similar & commonly confused birds

African Grass-OwlTyto capensis American Barn OwlTyto furcata Andaman Masked-OwlTyto deroepstorffi Ashy-faced OwlTyto glaucops Australasian Grass-OwlTyto longimembris Australian Masked-OwlTyto novaehollandiae Barn OwlTyto alba Eastern Barn OwlTyto javanica

Heard a Golden Masked-Owl?

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