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

Malabar Pied-Hornbill

Anthracoceros coronatus

The Malabar Pied-Hornbill is a large, striking Indo-Malayan bird known for its distinct black-and-white plumage and a massive, axe-shaped yellow casque. It serves as a vital seed disperser within its tropical forest ecosystems.

What it sounds like

A series of loud, raucous, and high-pitched shrill notes described as 'kak-kak-kak-kak,' often resembling human-like laughter.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / --:--

Rec. Mandar Bhagat · IndiaCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

The bird possesses a prominent yellow casque with a black patch that increases in size and complexity as the individual matures.
During the breeding season, the female seals herself inside a tree hollow using mud and droppings, leaving only a narrow slit for the male to pass food through.
They are primarily frugivorous, often congregating in large communal flocks at fruiting fig trees (Ficus species).
Males have been observed engaging in 'casque-butting'—an aerial jousting behavior where they clash bills in mid-air to establish dominance.
It is currently classified as Near Threatened, largely due to the loss of large, old-growth trees necessary for its specific nesting requirements.

Habitat

Tropical moist deciduous and evergreen forests, often occurring in riparian areas, secondary growth, and occasionally large orchards.

Range

Disjunct distribution across India (Western Ghats, Central India, Eastern Ghats) and the island of Sri Lanka.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Black HornbillAnthracoceros malayanus Oriental Pied-HornbillAnthracoceros albirostris Palawan HornbillAnthracoceros marchei Sulu HornbillAnthracoceros montani

Heard a Malabar Pied-Hornbill?

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