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-naped Woodpecker

Melanerpes chrysauchen

A medium-sized, vibrantly colored woodpecker distinguished by its golden-yellow nape and bold black-and-white facial markings. It is a social species often found in family groups within humid tropical lowlands.

What it sounds like

A loud, rattling 'churr' or a rapid, high-pitched series of 'kuh-kuh-kuh' notes.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Johan Chaves · Costa RicaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is a social woodpecker that frequently roosts communally in tree cavities with other members of its group.
The species was once considered conspecific with the Beautiful Woodpecker (Melanerpes pulcher) of Colombia.
Its diet is highly varied, consisting of insects, various fruits, and even nectar from large flowers.
Nesting occurs high in dead trees, where both the male and female participate in excavating the cavity.
They are frequent visitors to garden feeders, especially those offering bananas or other soft fruits.

Habitat

Humid evergreen forest canopies, forest edges, and semi-open areas with tall trees or plantations.

Range

Pacific slope of southern Costa Rica and western Panama.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Acorn WoodpeckerMelanerpes formicivorus Beautiful WoodpeckerMelanerpes pulcher Black-cheeked WoodpeckerMelanerpes pucherani Gila WoodpeckerMelanerpes uropygialis Golden-cheeked WoodpeckerMelanerpes chrysogenys Golden-fronted WoodpeckerMelanerpes aurifrons Gray-breasted WoodpeckerMelanerpes hypopolius Guadeloupe WoodpeckerMelanerpes herminieri

Heard a Golden-naped Woodpecker?

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