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

Lava Heron

Butorides sundevalli

The Lava Heron is a small, dark-plumaged heron endemic to the Galápagos Islands, uniquely adapted to camouflage against volcanic basalt rocks. It is a solitary predator known for its specialized hunting techniques along rocky shorelines.

What it sounds like

A sharp, high-pitched, and explosive 'skeow' or 'kyow' sound, typically used as an alarm or territorial warning.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

No reference call found yet · Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is closely related to the Striated Heron but has evolved significantly darker slate-grey plumage to match its volcanic environment.
During the breeding season, its legs undergo a striking color change from dull grey or green to a vibrant bright yellow.
Unlike many other heron species, Lava Herons are highly territorial and remain solitary year-round.
They are unusually fearless of humans, a trait characteristic of many species isolated on the Galápagos archipelago.
Their diet primarily consists of small fish and Sally Lightfoot crabs, which they catch using a 'stand and wait' ambush strategy.

Habitat

Intertidal zones, rocky volcanic shorelines, and mangrove fringes.

Range

Endemic to the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Green HeronButorides virescens Little HeronButorides atricapilla Little HeronButorides atricapilla Striated HeronButorides striata

Heard a Lava Heron?

Open Birdsong, tap record, and identify the bird singing near you in seconds — then collect it in your field journal.

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