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

Malagasy Pond-Heron

Ardeola idae

The Malagasy Pond-Heron is a small, endangered wading bird known for its dramatic seasonal transformation from cryptic brown streaks to brilliant white breeding plumage.

What it sounds like

Generally silent, but emits a harsh, raspy 'harr' or 'kwaa' when disturbed or during territorial disputes at the colony.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Albert Lastukhin · MadagascarCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

During the breeding season, its bill turns a striking bright blue with a black tip.
It is a trans-equatorial migrant, breeding almost exclusively in Madagascar before flying to mainland Africa for the non-breeding season.
With a global population estimated at fewer than 2,500 mature individuals, it is currently classified as Endangered.
It faces significant interspecific competition for nesting sites from the more common Squacco Heron.
Unlike many colonial waterbirds, it is a predominantly solitary feeder, often stalking prey in dense aquatic vegetation.

Habitat

Freshwater marshes, shallow lakes, rice paddies, and occasionally mangroves or forested streams.

Range

Breeds in Madagascar, Aldabra, and the Seychelles; winters in East and Central Africa.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Chinese Pond-HeronArdeola bacchus Indian Pond-HeronArdeola grayii Javan Pond-HeronArdeola speciosa Rufous-bellied HeronArdeola rufiventris Squacco HeronArdeola ralloides

Heard a Malagasy Pond-Heron?

Open Birdsong, tap record, and identify the bird singing near you in seconds — then collect it in your field journal.

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