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

Mountain Quail

Oreortyx pictus

The Mountain Quail is a secretive, large-bodied upland bird distinguished by its long, straight head plume and striking chestnut-and-white barred flanks. It is the largest quail species in North America, primarily inhabiting rugged, montane scrub environments.

What it sounds like

A loud, resonant, single-noted 'que-ark' or 'wook' repeated at several-second intervals, primarily delivered by males.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Ed Pandolfino · United StatesCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is the largest quail species native to North America, often weighing significantly more than the more common California Quail.
Both males and females possess a distinct, straight head plume consisting of two long, black feathers that tilt backward.
They are unique among North American quail for performing altitudinal migrations on foot, descending to lower elevations to avoid heavy winter snow.
Despite their size, they are remarkably elusive and prefer running through dense undergrowth over taking flight when threatened.
Their diet is primarily vegetarian, consisting of seeds, bulbs, and mast, supplemented by insects during the breeding season.

Habitat

Montane chaparral, brushy ravines, and mixed coniferous forests with dense understory and access to water.

Range

Mountain ranges of the western United States and Baja California, spanning from Washington through the Sierra Nevada and Coast Ranges.

Heard a Mountain Quail?

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