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

Painted Firetail

Emblema pictum

A striking, small estrildid finch endemic to the arid regions of Australia, characterized by its bold white-spotted underparts and vibrant crimson patches.

What it sounds like

A loud, harsh, and rasping 'trut' or 'che-che', alongside a song of wheezing and clicking notes.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Christopher Watson · AustraliaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is the only species categorized within the genus Emblema.
Unlike many other finches, it is primarily ground-dwelling, often seen hopping among rocks and spinifex.
Both sexes possess a bright red rump, but only the male features extensive red on the face and chest.
They are highly water-dependent and will fly considerable distances to reach permanent desert soaks and rock pools.
Nests are frequently built low to the ground, often concealed within the sharp, protective clumps of spinifex grass.

Habitat

Rocky ranges, stony plateaus, and spinifex-clumped grasslands.

Range

Arid and semi-arid interior of Central, Western, and Northern Australia.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Plum-headed FinchEmblema modestum Star FinchEmblema ruficauda

Heard a Painted Firetail?

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