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 Magpie-Robin

Copsychus albospecularis

An inquisitive, endemic passerine of Madagascar characterized by its striking black-and-white plumage and upright tail posture. It is a common and adaptable species found across diverse environments from primary forests to urban gardens.

What it sounds like

A varied and musical series of clear whistles and trills, often interspersed with harsh scolding 'churr' alarm notes.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Joost van Bruggen · MadagascarCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

Exhibits significant geographic variation with three recognized subspecies differing primarily in female plumage coloration.
Frequently forages on the ground, using its bill to flip leaf litter in search of insects, spiders, and small lizards.
Characterized by a distinctive 'cocked-tail' posture, often pumping its tail up and down while perched or socialising.
While males are consistently glossy black and white, females of the northern subspecies resemble males, whereas southern females are charcoal-grey.
It is a highly territorial species that maintains its boundaries through complex, melodious song battles and aggressive displays.

Habitat

Subtropical or tropical dry forests, moist lowland forests, and heavily degraded former forest landscapes.

Range

Endemic to the island of Madagascar.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Andaman ShamaCopsychus albiventris Black ShamaCopsychus cebuensis Indian RobinCopsychus fulicatus Kangean ShamaCopsychus nigricauda Kangean ShamaCopsychus nigricauda Larwo ShamaCopsychus omissus Maratua ShamaCopsychus barbouri Oriental Magpie-RobinCopsychus saularis

Heard a Madagascar Magpie-Robin?

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