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 Firecrest

Regulus madeirensis

A tiny, vibrant passerine endemic to the island of Madeira, characterized by its brilliant crest and high-energy foraging. It is the smallest bird species found in its restricted range.

What it sounds like

High-pitched, rhythmic 'zee-zee-zee' notes ending in a short flourish, reaching higher frequencies than its European counterparts.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:28

Rec. Paul Driver · PortugalCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

Recognized as a distinct species in 2003, having previously been classified as a subspecies of the Common Firecrest.
Possesses a longer bill and longer legs than its continental relatives, likely adaptations for foraging in laurel forest canopy.
Males exhibit a fiery orange crown stripe, while females possess a bright yellow crown, both framed by black borders.
Lacks the distinct bronze shoulder patch found on the Common Firecrest, displaying more uniform greenish plumage instead.
Constructs a deep, spherical nest using moss, lichens, and spiderwebs, often suspended from the twigs of tree heather.

Habitat

Laurissilva (laurel) forests, high-altitude tree heather thickets, and occasionally deciduous woodland and gardens.

Range

Endemic to the island of Madeira, Portugal.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Common FirecrestRegulus ignicapilla FlamecrestRegulus goodfellowi GoldcrestRegulus regulus Golden-crowned KingletRegulus satrapa

Heard a Madeira Firecrest?

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