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 Francolin

Francolinus pictus

The Painted Francolin is a striking terrestrial game bird endemic to the Indian subcontinent, distinguished by its intricate black-and-white scalloped plumage and rufous-orange face.

What it sounds like

A loud, mechanical, and repetitive 'che-kee-check' or 'kick-kera-kick' usually delivered from a rock or termite mound.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 1:13

Rec. Peter Boesman · IndiaCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

Unlike most members of the Francolinus genus, this species lacks spurs on its legs.
The species is closely related to the Black Francolin but prefers significantly drier and more open habitats.
Its breeding season is strictly synchronized with the monsoon rains, typically occurring between June and September.
While primarily granivorous, it acts as an important biological control agent by consuming large quantities of termites and beetles.
Nests are rudimentary scrapes on the ground, often hidden under thick grass or Ziziphus scrub to avoid predation.

Habitat

Dry deciduous forests, grassy hillsides, and thorny scrubland bordering agricultural areas.

Range

Central and Peninsular India and the northern plains of Sri Lanka.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Black FrancolinFrancolinus francolinus Chinese FrancolinFrancolinus pintadeanus

Heard a Painted Francolin?

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