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

Oahu Elepaio

Chasiempis ibidis

The Oahu Elepaio is a small, territorial monarch flycatcher endemic to Oahu, recognized by its upright tail and bold, inquisitive personality. It is a critically endangered forest bird that holds deep significance in Hawaiian cultural history as a guardian of canoe-makers.

What it sounds like

A loud, clear three-syllable whistle sounding like 'e-le-PAI-o' alongside sharp, metallic 'chack' or 'whit' alarm notes.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Dan Lane · United StatesCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

In Hawaiian mythology, the bird represents Lea, the goddess of canoe-making, who helped builders select sound timber by avoiding trees it pecked for insects.
Unlike many native Hawaiian birds, some populations have shown an evolved tolerance to avian malaria, though they remain threatened by mosquito-borne diseases.
Juveniles exhibit a distinct 'ginger' or rufous plumage that differs significantly from the brownish-grey and white patterns of adults.
They are highly territorial year-round and will aggressively defend their home range against intruders, including other bird species.
They employ a 'flush-pursuit' hunting strategy, fanning their wings and tail to startle hidden insects into flight before catching them mid-air.

Habitat

Mature mesic and wet forests, typically found in sheltered valleys and on steep slopes with dense canopy cover.

Range

Endemic exclusively to the island of Oahu, Hawaii, within the Waianae and Koolau mountain ranges.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Hawaii ElepaioChasiempis sandwichensis Kauai ElepaioChasiempis sclateri

Heard a Oahu Elepaio?

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