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 Hawk

Buteo plagiatus

A small, elegant woodland raptor characterized by its striking finely barred gray plumage and an agile, accipiter-like hunting style.

What it sounds like

A loud, plaintive, descending whistle, often described as a piercing 'klee-oo' or 'peee-ur'.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Albert Lastukhin · Costa RicaCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

It was taxonomically split from the South American Gray-lined Hawk in 2012 based on distinct vocalizations and plumage.
The species possesses a disproportionately long tail for a Buteo, which aids in high-speed maneuverability through dense canopy.
Lizards make up a primary portion of its diet, though it also preys on snakes, small birds, and rodents.
Unlike many open-country hawks, it typically hunts from a perch within the mid-story of a forest rather than soaring.
Juveniles are visually distinct from adults, featuring dark brown upperparts and heavy vertical streaking on the underparts.

Habitat

Riparian woodlands, gallery forests, and brushy edges near streams or rivers.

Range

Southwestern United States (primarily Arizona and Texas) through Mexico to Costa Rica.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Augur BuzzardButeo augur Broad-winged HawkButeo platypterus Common BuzzardButeo buteo Eastern BuzzardButeo japonicus Ferruginous HawkButeo regalis Forest BuzzardButeo trizonatus Galapagos HawkButeo galapagoensis Gray-lined HawkButeo nitidus

Heard a Gray Hawk?

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