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

Palawan Hornbill

Anthracoceros marchei

A medium-sized, forest-dwelling hornbill endemic to the Palawan archipelago, distinguished by its entirely black plumage and contrasting white tail.

What it sounds like

A loud, raucous, and rhythmic series of 'kaaw' or 'kawk' notes, often heard echoing through the canopy.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Jelle Scharringa · PhilippinesCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is the only hornbill species found naturally on the island of Palawan and its immediate satellite islands.
The female undergoes a unique nesting ritual where she seals herself inside a tree cavity using mud and droppings, leaving only a narrow slit for the male to provide food.
The species is a vital 'farmer of the forest,' acting as a primary seed disperser for large-seeded tropical trees.
Adults possess a prominent, creamy-white casque on top of their bill, which is smaller and less developed in juveniles.
It is currently classified as Vulnerable due to habitat loss from logging and the pressure of the illegal wildlife trade.

Habitat

Lowland primary and secondary moist tropical forests, including occasional forays into mangroves.

Range

Palawan and adjacent islands, Philippines.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Black HornbillAnthracoceros malayanus Malabar Pied-HornbillAnthracoceros coronatus Oriental Pied-HornbillAnthracoceros albirostris Sulu HornbillAnthracoceros montani

Heard a Palawan Hornbill?

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