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

Great Bittern

Botaurus stellaris

The Great Bittern is a large, thick-necked heron known for its exceptional camouflage and secretive lifestyle within dense reedbeds.

What it sounds like

A deep, resonant, foghorn-like 'boom' preceded by several low grunts.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Joost van Bruggen · NetherlandsCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

Adopts a 'sky-pointing' posture when threatened, stretching its neck and beak upward to mimic surrounding reeds.
The male's booming call can be heard from up to five kilometers away and is produced using a specialized esophagus.
Possesses eyes positioned low on its head, allowing for binocular vision while its beak is pointed vertically.
Feeds primarily on fish, amphibians, and large insects by utilizing a slow, rhythmic 'stalk and strike' hunting method.
Its plumage features a complex pattern of buff, gold, and black streaks that provide near-perfect concealment.

Habitat

Large, wet reedbeds (Phragmites) with standing water and abundant prey.

Range

Widespread across temperate Europe and Asia, with populations wintering in Africa and the Indian subcontinent.

Similar & commonly confused birds

American BitternBotaurus lentiginosus Australasian BitternBotaurus poiciloptilus Black BitternBotaurus flavicollis Black-backed BitternBotaurus dubius Cinnamon BitternBotaurus cinnamomeus Dwarf BitternBotaurus sturmii Eurasian BitternBotaurus stellaris Least BitternBotaurus exilis

Heard a Great Bittern?

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