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

Mottled Owl

Strix virgata

A medium-sized neotropical owl characterized by its dark eyes, yellowish bill, and lack of ear tufts. It is known for its intricate mottled plumage that provides exceptional camouflage against tree bark.

What it sounds like

A rhythmic series of deep, guttural hoots often transcribed as 'hoot-hoot-hoot-hūūū' or a singular raspy screech.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:51

Rec. Miguel Angelo Biz · BrazilCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is strictly nocturnal, spending the day roosting in dense foliage or vine tangles to avoid detection.
The species displays significant color polymorphism, ranging from a grey-brown morph to a warmer rufous morph.
Its diet is highly diverse, including large insects, small mammals, bats, and even amphibians or reptiles.
Unlike many other Strix species, the Mottled Owl has feathered legs but its toes are relatively bare.
They are highly territorial and will aggressively defend their home range using vocalizations throughout the year.

Habitat

Tropical and subtropical forests, humid woodlands, coffee plantations, and occasionally suburban parks.

Range

Found from Mexico through Central America to northern Argentina and southern Brazil.

Similar & commonly confused birds

African Wood-OwlStrix woodfordii Barred OwlStrix varia Black-and-white OwlStrix nigrolineata Black-banded OwlStrix huhula Brown Wood-OwlStrix leptogrammica Chaco OwlStrix chacoensis Cinereous OwlStrix sartorii Desert OwlStrix hadorami

Heard a Mottled Owl?

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