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

Grass Wren

Cistothorus platensis

A small, elusive Neotropical wren characterized by its buffy-streaked plumage and a tendency to scurry through dense ground cover.

What it sounds like

A complex series of dry, staccato chips and rhythmic chattering followed by a buzzy, mechanical trill.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Daan van der Hoeven · EcuadorCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It was historically considered conspecific with the North American Sedge Wren before being split based on vocal and genetic differences.
Exhibits extreme morphological diversity across its range, with approximately 17 to 20 recognized subspecies.
Known for its 'mouse-like' behavior, often preferring to run through thick grass tunnels rather than taking flight when disturbed.
Constructs a globular nest with a side entrance, often woven into living sedges or grasses to keep it concealed and supported.
Males are frequently polygynous, defending territories that may contain multiple active nests and breeding females.

Habitat

Moist grasslands, highland páramo, bog edges, and tussock fields.

Range

Discontinuous range from central Mexico through Central America to Tierra del Fuego and the Falkland Islands.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Apolinar's WrenCistothorus apolinari Marsh WrenCistothorus palustris Merida WrenCistothorus meridae Sedge WrenCistothorus stellaris

Heard a Grass Wren?

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