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

Gray Crowned-Crane

Balearica regulorum

The Gray Crowned-Crane is a large, iconic bird known for its distinctive golden bristle-like crest and status as the national bird of Uganda.

What it sounds like

A loud, mellow 'ma-hem' honking sound and low-frequency booming produced by the gular sac.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:38

Rec. Dries Van de Loock · ZambiaCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is one of only two crane species capable of roosting in trees due to a specialized long hind toe for gripping branches.
They possess a bright red inflatable gular sac under the chin used to produce deep, resonant booming sounds.
To flush out insect prey, these birds use a rhythmic foot-stamping technique while foraging in tall grass.
Mated pairs are monogamous and reinforce their lifelong bonds through elaborate synchronized dancing and 'unison calling'.
They are primarily non-migratory but perform local movements based on seasonal water availability and rainfall patterns.

Habitat

Wetlands, marshes, floodplains, and open grasslands near permanent water sources.

Range

Eastern and Southern Africa.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Black Crowned-CraneBalearica pavonina

Heard a Gray Crowned-Crane?

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Identify a bird by its song