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 Rufous Sparrow

Passer motitensis

The Great Rufous Sparrow is a large, robust member of the Old World sparrow family, distinguished by its vibrant rufous plumage and preference for wild savannas over urban settings.

What it sounds like

A series of loud, rhythmic 'chirp' and 'chissik' notes, deeper and more resonant than the call of the House Sparrow.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Filippo Ceccolini · NamibiaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is one of the largest species in the genus Passer, reaching lengths of up to 16 centimeters.
Unlike the common House Sparrow, this species is typically shy and avoids human settlements, preferring natural scrubland.
They are known to build large, untidy domed nests, often situated deep within the protection of thorny acacia trees.
The species is highly territorial during the breeding season and is usually seen in pairs or small family groups rather than large flocks.
Its diet is primarily granivorous, consisting of seeds and grain, though it captures insects to provide protein for its chicks.

Habitat

Dry acacia savannas, arid woodlands, and thorny scrublands.

Range

Southern Africa, specifically across Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and southern Angola.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Abd al Kuri SparrowPasser hemileucus Arabian Golden SparrowPasser euchlorus Cape SparrowPasser melanurus Cape Verde SparrowPasser iagoensis Chestnut SparrowPasser eminibey Dead Sea SparrowPasser moabiticus Desert SparrowPasser simplex Eurasian Tree SparrowPasser montanus

Heard a Great Rufous Sparrow?

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