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

Lesser Roadrunner

Geococcyx velox

A smaller, more buff-toned relative of the Greater Roadrunner, this terrestrial cuckoo is native to the arid and semi-humid scrublands of Mesoamerica.

What it sounds like

A series of 5–8 low, mournful, descending 'coo' notes, typically slower and more hollow than the call of the Greater Roadrunner.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 1:12

Rec. Frank Lambert · MexicoCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is distinguished from the Greater Roadrunner by its lack of heavy streaking on its buffy throat and chest.
As a zygodactyl species, its two toes facing forward and two backward create distinct X-shaped footprints.
It is primarily terrestrial and can reach running speeds exceeding 20 miles per hour to pursue prey.
Despite being a member of the cuckoo family, it is a non-parasitic nester that builds its own nests and raises its own young.
Its diet is highly opportunistic, consisting of large insects, lizards, small snakes, and occasionally seeds or fruit.

Habitat

Arid to semi-humid thorn scrub, tropical deciduous forest edges, and brushy pastures.

Range

Western and southern Mexico south through the highlands of Central America to Nicaragua.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Greater RoadrunnerGeococcyx californianus Lesser RoadrunnerGeococcyx velox

Heard a Lesser Roadrunner?

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