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

Merida Wren

Cistothorus meridae

The Merida Wren is a small, highly localized songbird endemic to the high-altitude paramo grasslands of the Venezuelan Andes. It is a secretive species known for its cryptic, streaked plumage and reliance on dense bunchgrass cover.

What it sounds like

A complex, high-pitched series of dry, mechanical rattles and buzzy staccato trills.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:28

Rec. Joe Klaiber · VenezuelaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is strictly endemic to the Mérida state of western Venezuela, possessing one of the most restricted ranges of any wren species.
The species thrives at extreme alpine elevations, typically found between 3,000 and 4,500 meters above sea level.
Formerly classified as a subspecies of the Grass Wren, it is now recognized as a distinct species due to vocal and plumage differences.
It builds a globular nest with a side entrance, typically tucked deep within the center of a dense grass tussock for insulation.
The bird's dorsal feathers are heavily streaked with black and buff, providing excellent camouflage against wind-swept Andean vegetation.

Habitat

High-altitude paramo grasslands and peat bogs dominated by bunchgrasses and Espeletia shrubs.

Range

The Merida Andes of western Venezuela.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Apolinar's WrenCistothorus apolinari Grass WrenCistothorus platensis Marsh WrenCistothorus palustris Sedge WrenCistothorus stellaris

Heard a Merida Wren?

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