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

Laughing Kookaburra

Dacelo novaeguineae

The world's largest kingfisher, the Laughing Kookaburra is an iconic Australian bird known for its sedentary nature and communal social structure.

What it sounds like

A loud, terrestrial chorus of 'laughter' starting with a low 'oo-oo-oo' and rising into high-pitched 'ha-ha-ha' cackles.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Tom Cooney · AustraliaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is a carnivore that consumes snakes, small mammals, and insects rather than fish.
Breeding pairs are often supported by 'helpers,' which are offspring from previous years that assist in raising new chicks.
They are sit-and-wait predators, diving from high perches to pin prey to the ground.
Unlike most kingfishers, they rarely require water for hunting and are highly adapted to dry woodlands.
They possess a specialized nictitating membrane that protects their eyes when diving into debris for prey.

Habitat

Open woodlands, eucalyptus forests, and suburban parks or gardens.

Range

Eastern Australia (native), introduced to Western Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Blue-winged KookaburraDacelo leachii Rufous-bellied KookaburraDacelo gaudichaud Rufous-bellied KookaburraDacelo gaudichaud Shovel-billed KookaburraDacelo rex Spangled KookaburraDacelo tyro Spangled KookaburraDacelo tyro

Heard a Laughing Kookaburra?

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