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 Owl

Asio madagascariensis

The Madagascar Owl is a medium-to-large nocturnal raptor endemic to Madagascar, distinguished by its prominent ear tufts and striking orange-buff facial disc.

What it sounds like

A series of deep, barking hoots often transcribed as 'hlow-hlow-hlow' or rhythmic, low-pitched grunts.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. George Vlad · MadagascarCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is the largest owl species found exclusively on the island of Madagascar.
Its diet is uniquely adapted to its island home, frequently including small lemurs alongside rodents and bats.
The species possesses long, erectile ear tufts that are primarily used for behavioral signaling and camouflage rather than hearing.
Unlike the sympatric Marsh Owl, the Madagascar Owl strictly prefers dense forest cover over open grasslands.
Taxonomically, it is considered a sister species to the Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) of the Northern Hemisphere.

Habitat

Humid evergreen forests, dry deciduous forests, and occasionally degraded secondary woodlands.

Range

Endemic to the island of Madagascar.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Abyssinian OwlAsio abyssinicus Fearful OwlAsio solomonensis Jamaican OwlAsio grammicus Long-eared OwlAsio otus Marsh OwlAsio capensis Short-eared OwlAsio flammeus Striped OwlAsio clamator Stygian OwlAsio stygius

Heard a Madagascar Owl?

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