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

Hooded Siskin

Spinus magellanicus

A small, vibrant South American finch characterized by the male's striking black hood and bright yellow-green body.

What it sounds like

A rapid, high-pitched jumble of melodic whistles, chirps, and trills, often delivered in a long, twittering stream.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Manuel Sánchez-Nivicela · EcuadorCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

Males feature a distinct coal-black head and throat that contrasts sharply with their bright yellow underparts.
The species is highly polytypic, with approximately 12 recognized subspecies across its vast range.
They are exceptionally social birds, frequently forming large, restless flocks that forage for seeds and small insects.
During courtship, males perform a specialized circular flight display while delivering a continuous, complex song.
They are opportunistic breeders that often time their nesting periods to coincide with local peak seed availability.

Habitat

Open woodlands, agricultural lands, urban parks, and Andean shrublands up to 5,000 meters.

Range

Widespread across South America, from the Andes of Colombia to central Argentina and eastern Brazil.

Similar & commonly confused birds

American GoldfinchSpinus tristis Andean SiskinSpinus spinescens Antillean SiskinSpinus dominicensis Black SiskinSpinus atratus Black-capped SiskinSpinus atriceps Black-chinned SiskinSpinus barbatus Black-headed SiskinSpinus notatus Eurasian SiskinSpinus spinus

Heard a Hooded Siskin?

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