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 Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

A medium-sized, drab brown swallow distinguished by its lacks of a breast band and unique, serrated outer wing feathers.

What it sounds like

A brief, harsh, rising 'jrit' or a raspy, unmusical 'bzzzt'.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:41

Rec. Manuel Grosselet · MexicoCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

The 'rough-wing' name comes from tiny hooks on the outer primary feathers, which are felt rather than seen.
Unlike many other swallow species, they are primarily solitary nesters rather than colonial.
They do not excavate their own burrows, instead utilizing old kingfisher or Bank Swallow holes, or crevices in bridges and culverts.
Males and females are nearly identical in plumage, featuring a brownish-gray throat that fades into a white belly.
They are aerial insectivores that forage lower over water surfaces compared to the similar-looking Bank Swallow.

Habitat

Open areas near water, including riverbanks, lakeshores, gravel pits, and bridges.

Range

Breeds across North America from southern Canada to Panama; winters in the southern US and Central America.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Southern Rough-winged SwallowStelgidopteryx ruficollis

Heard a Northern Rough-winged Swallow?

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