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

Mexican Violetear

Colibri thalassinus

A medium-sized hummingbird characterized by its metallic green plumage and striking violet-blue patches on its ears and breast. It is known for its aggressive nature and remarkable vagrancy patterns far north of its breeding range.

What it sounds like

A monotonous and repetitive metallic chirping, often described as a sharp, dry 'chi-dik' or 'tsit'.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:59

Rec. Étienne Leroy · MexicoCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

The distinctive violet-blue ear patches are specialized feathers that the bird can flare out during territorial or courtship displays.
It is a highly mobile species, with individuals frequently sighted as far north as the United States and occasionally even Canada.
Until recently, it was considered the same species as the Lesser Violetear found in South America, but they were split based on vocal and plumage differences.
Mexican Violetears are extremely territorial and will often perch on high, exposed branches to defend their nectar sources from larger birds.
Their flight is characterized by a unique rhythmic wingbeat and they are capable of hovering for extended periods while feeding on nectar.

Habitat

Montane forests, oak-pine woodlands, forest edges, and scrubby clearings.

Range

Highlands of Mexico and Central America (Guatemala to Nicaragua), with frequent vagrancy into North America.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Brown VioletearColibri delphinae Lesser VioletearColibri cyanotus Sparkling VioletearColibri coruscans White-vented VioletearColibri serrirostris

Heard a Mexican Violetear?

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