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

Junin Grebe

Podiceps taczanowskii

The Junin Grebe is a critically endangered, flightless waterbird endemic to a single high-altitude lake in the Peruvian Andes. It is a highly specialized diver characterized by its striking red eyes and inability to fly.

What it sounds like

A high-pitched, melodic whistling 'pui-pui' or 'huui-huui' used during social interactions.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Ross Gallardy · PeruCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is completely flightless, having evolved in a stable environment where migration was unnecessary.
The species is found exclusively on Lake Junín, located at an elevation of approximately 4,080 meters.
Population levels are critically low, often numbering fewer than 300 individuals due to mining pollution and water level fluctuations.
Their courtship involves complex, synchronized aquatic displays known as 'rushing' and 'ghosting'.
Its diet is highly specialized, consisting primarily of Orestias pupfish endemic to the lake.

Habitat

Large, open alkaline lakes with extensive fringing reed beds (Schoenoplectus californicus).

Range

Lake Junín (Lake Chinchaycocha), central Peru.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Colombian GrebePodiceps andinus Eared GrebePodiceps nigricollis Great Crested GrebePodiceps cristatus Great GrebePodiceps major Hooded GrebePodiceps gallardoi Horned GrebePodiceps auritus Red-necked GrebePodiceps grisegena Silvery GrebePodiceps occipitalis

Heard a Junin Grebe?

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