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

Madagascar Cuckoo-Hawk

Aviceda madagascariensis

The Madagascar Cuckoo-Hawk is a medium-sized, crested raptor endemic to Madagascar, characterized by its yellow eyes and bold ventral barring.

What it sounds like

A clear, high-pitched whistled 'pit-wee' or 'pwee-whew'.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:14

Rec. Louise Jasper · MadagascarCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

Features a distinctive, narrow occipital crest that can be raised or lowered for signaling.
Primarily feeds on large insects and small reptiles, frequently hunting from a high, conspicuous perch.
Exhibits crepuscular tendencies, with hunting activity often peaking during dawn and dusk.
Constructs relatively small stick nests lined with green leaves, typically placed high in the forest canopy.
Its plumage bears a strong resemblance to the Madagascar Sparrowhawk, a possible example of Batesian mimicry to deter predators.

Habitat

Humid and dry forests, woodland edges, and occasionally wooded savannas.

Range

Endemic to the island of Madagascar.

Similar & commonly confused birds

African Cuckoo-HawkAviceda cuculoides Black BazaAviceda leuphotes Jerdon's BazaAviceda jerdoni Jerdon's BazaAviceda jerdoni Pacific BazaAviceda subcristata

Heard a Madagascar Cuckoo-Hawk?

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