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

Indochinese Roller

Coracias affinis

A medium-sized, stocky bird renowned for its brilliant indigo and turquoise wings and its spectacular aerobic courtship displays. Recently recognized as a distinct species from the Indian Roller, it is characterized by its darker, purplish-brown breast and lack of white streaking on the throat.

What it sounds like

A series of harsh, raspy 'krak' or 'chack' notes, louder and more frequent during the breeding season.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Ding Li Yong · ThailandCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

It was traditionally considered a subspecies of the Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis) before being split based on plumage and vocal differences.
The 'roller' name derives from its impressive courtship flight, which involves steep dives, rapid wing-beats, and side-to-side rolling maneuvers.
Known to be attracted to grass fires, it often hunts along the leading edge of the flames to capture fleeing insects.
Its plumage exhibits structural coloration, appearing dull brownish when perched but revealing luminous blues during flight.
As an opportunistic sit-and-wait predator, its diet includes large insects, scorpions, small amphibians, and even snakes.

Habitat

Open woodlands, agricultural fields, scrubland, and suburban parks with prominent perches.

Range

Southeast Asia, ranging from Northeast India and eastern Bangladesh through Indochina to Southern China.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Abyssinian RollerCoracias abyssinicus Blue-bellied RollerCoracias cyanogaster European RollerCoracias garrulus Indian RollerCoracias benghalensis Lilac-breasted RollerCoracias caudatus Purple RollerCoracias naevius Purple RollerCoracias naevius Purple-winged RollerCoracias temminckii

Heard a Indochinese Roller?

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