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

LeConte's Sparrow

Ammospiza leconteii

The LeConte's Sparrow is a small, secretive grassland bird recognized by its rich orange-buff face and crown stripe. It is famously difficult to observe as it frequently scurries through dense thatch rather than taking flight.

What it sounds like

A thin, high-pitched, insect-like buzz that sounds like 'tse-ee-ee-sz-sz-sz' followed by a short 'tick'.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 1:15

Rec. Peter Ward and Ken Hall · CanadaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It exhibits 'mouse-like' behavior, often running through grass tunnels to escape predators instead of flying.
It is among the smallest sparrows in North America, typically weighing between 12 and 15 grams.
The species was named by John James Audubon after his friend, the entomologist John Lawrence LeConte.
Unlike many songbirds, it is known to be active and sing during the night, especially under bright moonlight.
Its plumage provides exceptional camouflage, featuring a complex pattern of black streaks on a gray and buff background.

Habitat

Moist grasslands, sedge meadows, and tallgrass prairies with dense vegetation.

Range

Breeds in central Canada and the northern Great Plains; winters in the South-Central and Southeastern United States.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Nelson's SparrowAmmospiza nelsoni Saltmarsh SparrowAmmospiza caudacuta Seaside SparrowAmmospiza maritima

Heard a LeConte's Sparrow?

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