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

Madeira Chaffinch

Fringilla maderensis

An endemic passerine of the Madeira archipelago, this bird is a vibrant relative of the Common Chaffinch characterized by its distinct blue-grey and buff plumage. It is a signature species of the island's ancient laurel forests and a frequent sight for hikers.

What it sounds like

A vigorous, rhythmic song similar to its mainland relatives but shorter and simpler; the social call is a sharp, metallic 'pink-pink'.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

No reference call found yet · Xeno-canto

Field notes

Recently elevated to full species status (Fringilla maderensis), it is genetically and vocally distinct from the Common Chaffinch of mainland Europe.
Males exhibit a striking slate-blue crown, nape, and mantle, which contrasts with a rich pinkish-buff breast.
It is a highly adaptable species, found from sea level up to the highest mountain peaks, including Pico Ruivo at 1,862 meters.
Unlike many European passerines, the Madeira Chaffinch is strictly non-migratory and remains on the island year-round.
Locally known as the 'Tentilhão,' it is remarkably bold around humans, often scavenging for crumbs in forest picnic areas.

Habitat

Primary Laurissilva (laurel) forests, tree heath, high-altitude shrubland, and rural gardens.

Range

Endemic to the island of Madeira, Portugal.

Similar & commonly confused birds

African ChaffinchFringilla spodiogenys Azores ChaffinchFringilla moreletti BramblingFringilla montifringilla Canary Islands ChaffinchFringilla canariensis Common ChaffinchFringilla coelebs Gran Canaria Blue ChaffinchFringilla polatzeki Tenerife Blue ChaffinchFringilla teydea

Heard a Madeira Chaffinch?

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