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

Inca Dove

Columbina inca

A small, slender dove easily identified by its unique scaly plumage and a long, white-edged tail. It is a highly terrestrial species commonly found in close association with human settlements.

What it sounds like

A monotonous, repetitive two-note coo often transcribed as 'No hope' or 'Who-who.'

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:24

Rec. David Tattersley · United StatesCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

The dark-edged feathers create a distinctive 'fish scale' appearance across the entire body.
During cold weather, they engage in 'pyramid roosting,' stacking themselves up to three birds high to conserve body heat.
Their wings produce a noticeable dry, rattling or whirring sound upon takeoff.
Despite the name, this species is not found in South America; its range is limited to North and Central America.
They are highly commensal with humans, often preferring suburban gardens and urban parks over undeveloped wildlands.

Habitat

Arid scrublands, suburban gardens, urban parks, and agricultural areas.

Range

Southwestern United States through Mexico to Costa Rica.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Blue-eyed Ground DoveColumbina cyanopis Common Ground DoveColumbina passerina Croaking Ground DoveColumbina cruziana Ecuadorian Ground DoveColumbina buckleyi Picui Ground DoveColumbina picui Plain-breasted Ground DoveColumbina minuta Ruddy Ground DoveColumbina talpacoti Scaled DoveColumbina squammata

Heard a Inca Dove?

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