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 Violetear

Colibri cyanotus

A vibrant, medium-sized hummingbird recognized by its shimmering emerald plumage and distinctive iridescent violet-blue ear patches. Formerly conspecific with the Mexican Violetear, it is a common inhabitant of montane cloud forests.

What it sounds like

A sharp, repetitive, and metallic 'tse-sit' or 'chip' often delivered for long periods from an exposed perch.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 1:35

Rec. Manuel Sánchez-Nivicela · EcuadorCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

It was formally split from the Mexican Violetear (Colibri thalassinus) due to distinct differences in vocalizations and genetic makeup.
The species is notoriously territorial and aggressive, frequently chasing larger bird species away from preferred nectar sources.
Both males and females possess the namesake violet ear patches, which can be puffed out during courtship or territorial displays.
It primarily feeds on nectar from tubular flowers but also captures small insects mid-air to supplement its protein intake.
Individuals are known to engage in altitudinal migration, moving to lower elevations during periods of heavy rainfall or food scarcity.

Habitat

Humid montane forests, cloud forest edges, clearings, and high-altitude gardens.

Range

Highlands of Central America (Costa Rica and Panama) and the Andes from Venezuela to Bolivia.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Brown VioletearColibri delphinae Mexican VioletearColibri thalassinus Sparkling VioletearColibri coruscans White-vented VioletearColibri serrirostris

Heard a Lesser Violetear?

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