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

Nacunda Nighthawk

Chordeiles nacunda

The Nacunda Nighthawk is one of the largest South American nightjars, recognized by its massive head, robust body, and distinctive white throat and wing patches.

What it sounds like

Generally silent in flight, but produces a low-pitched, guttural 'urt-urt' or 'quaw-quaw' while on the ground.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Rosendo Fraga · ArgentinaCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is the largest member of the Chordeiles genus, reaching lengths of up to 30 centimeters.
Unlike many caprimulgids, it has relatively long tarsi that allow it to walk and run effectively on the ground.
During the non-breeding season, it is highly gregarious and can form communal roosts consisting of hundreds of individuals.
The species name 'nacunda' is derived from the Guaraní word for 'big-mouth,' referring to its wide gape.
It is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal, foraging for large insects like beetles and dragonflies using buoyant, erratic flight.

Habitat

Open grasslands, dry savannas, pastures, and seasonal marshes.

Range

South America east of the Andes, ranging from Colombia and Venezuela south to northern Argentina and Uruguay.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Antillean NighthawkChordeiles gundlachii Common NighthawkChordeiles minor Least NighthawkChordeiles pusillus Lesser NighthawkChordeiles acutipennis Sand-colored NighthawkChordeiles rupestris

Heard a Nacunda Nighthawk?

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