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

Lined Forest-Falcon

Micrastur gilvicollis

The Lined Forest-Falcon is a small, secretive neotropical raptor specialized for hunting in the dense understory of the Amazonian rainforest.

What it sounds like

A series of slow, nasal barking notes, typically transcribed as a rhythmic 'auk, auk, auk'.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 2:59

Rec. Richard E. Webster · GuyanaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It possesses an owl-like facial disc that helps funnel sound, allowing it to locate prey by ear in the dark forest interior.
This species is a known follower of army ant swarms, where it captures small birds and insects flushed out by the ants.
It was historically confused with the Cryptic Forest-Falcon until vocal differences and genetic testing proved they were distinct species.
Its short, rounded wings and long, graduated tail provide exceptional maneuverability for flying through tangled vegetation.
Unlike most falcons that nest on cliffs or in open areas, it typically nests in tree cavities or large hollows.

Habitat

Lowland humid terra firme forests and mature secondary growth.

Range

Amazon Basin of South America, including northern Brazil, the Guianas, and parts of Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Barred Forest-FalconMicrastur ruficollis Buckley's Forest-FalconMicrastur buckleyi Collared Forest-FalconMicrastur semitorquatus Cryptic Forest-FalconMicrastur mintoni Plumbeous Forest-FalconMicrastur plumbeus Slaty-backed Forest-FalconMicrastur mirandollei

Heard a Lined Forest-Falcon?

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