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

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

The Mute Swan is a massive, elegant waterfowl characterized by its pure white plumage, orange bill with a black basal knob, and an S-curved neck.

What it sounds like

Generally quiet; vocalizations include soft whistles, puppy-like barking notes, and aggressive hissing.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Stanislas Wroza · FranceCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

Despite its name, it is not silent but produces a range of low-pitched grunts, hoarse hisses, and snorting calls.
The primary feathers create a distinct, rhythmic musical humming or whistling sound in flight that can be heard from a great distance.
It is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world, with large males occasionally exceeding 14 kilograms (31 pounds).
Aggressive territorial displays include 'busking,' where the swan arches its secondary feathers over its back to appear larger.
They form monogamous pair bonds that often last for life, though they will find a new mate if one dies.

Habitat

Shallow freshwater lakes, ponds, slow-moving rivers, and protected coastal salt marshes.

Range

Native to Eurasia; widely introduced and established in North America, South Africa, and Australasia.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Black SwanCygnus atratus Black-necked SwanCygnus melancoryphus Trumpeter SwanCygnus buccinator Tundra SwanCygnus columbianus Whooper SwanCygnus cygnus

Heard a Mute Swan?

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