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

Philippine Honey-buzzard

Pernis steerei

The Philippine Honey-buzzard is a specialized forest raptor endemic to the archipelago, uniquely adapted for feeding on the nests of social hymenopterans.

What it sounds like

A high-pitched, thin whistle, typically described as a rising 'wee-ooo' or 'ee-hu'.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:06

Rec. Mike Nelson · PhilippinesCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It features specialized scale-like feathers around the eyes and lores to protect against bee and wasp stings.
The species displays a prominent black crest on its nape, which is more elongated than its close relatives.
It is known to practice Batesian mimicry, with plumage patterns that closely resemble the more aggressive Philippine Hawk-eagle.
Unlike many migratory honey-buzzards, the Philippine Honey-buzzard is a sedentary resident species throughout its range.
Its diet is highly specialized, consisting primarily of the larvae and honeycombs of wild bees and wasps.

Habitat

Primary and mature secondary lowland and montane rainforests.

Range

Endemic to the Philippine archipelago, occurring on islands such as Luzon, Mindanao, Samar, and Leyte.

Similar & commonly confused birds

European Honey-buzzardPernis apivorus Oriental Honey-buzzardPernis ptilorhynchus Sulawesi Honey-buzzardPernis celebensis

Heard a Philippine Honey-buzzard?

Open Birdsong, tap record, and identify the bird singing near you in seconds — then collect it in your field journal.

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