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

Northern Hawk Owl

Surnia ulula

A unique, medium-sized owl that behaves and appears remarkably like a hawk, often observed perching atop tall conifers in broad daylight. It is characterized by its long, tapering tail, falcon-like profile, and striking horizontal breast barring.

What it sounds like

A rapid, liquid trill of whistling notes often described as 'ul-ul-ul-ul,' alongside various harsh screeches and chatters.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:34

Rec. Marc Anderson · SwedenCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is one of the few owl species that is primarily diurnal, relying on its exceptional vision to hunt during the day.
Unlike most owls, its facial disk is poorly developed and its ear openings are symmetrical, reflecting its reduced reliance on auditory hunting.
It has been observed detecting small prey by sight at distances exceeding half a mile.
The species is non-migratory but undergoes periodic 'irruptions,' moving south of its typical range when vole populations crash.
Its flight style is distinctively hawk-like, consisting of rapid wingbeats interspersed with long, low glides.

Habitat

Open boreal forests, taiga, and muskegs, frequently choosing areas near burns or clearings with high vantage points.

Range

Holarctic distribution across Alaska, Canada, Scandinavia, and Northern Russia.

Heard a Northern Hawk 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