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

Pied Crow

Corvus albus

The Pied Crow is a striking, medium-sized corvid easily identified by its contrasting white breast and neck collar against glossy black plumage. It is a highly intelligent, adaptable species common throughout the African landscape.

What it sounds like

A deep, nasal 'kwaah' or 'kraak', which is typically higher-pitched and less resonant than the call of a raven.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Bernard BOUSQUET · UgandaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

Genetically, it is more closely related to the Common Raven than to the smaller crow species of Europe or Asia.
It is a highly opportunistic omnivore known to follow locust swarms and scavenge at refuse sites or alongside vultures at carcasses.
Pied Crows are remarkably agile fliers, often performing aerial acrobatics such as mid-air tumbles and object-dropping games.
Pairs are monogamous and typically stay together year-round, defending their territory with coordinated displays.
In many regions, they have adapted to human infrastructure, frequently choosing to nest on utility poles and communication towers.

Habitat

Savannas, open woodlands, agricultural areas, and urban centers; it generally avoids dense primary rainforest.

Range

Widespread across Sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, and several offshore islands like the Comoros.

Similar & commonly confused birds

American CrowCorvus brachyrhynchos Australian RavenCorvus coronoides Banggai CrowCorvus unicolor Bismarck CrowCorvus insularis Bougainville CrowCorvus meeki Brown-headed CrowCorvus fuscicapillus Brown-necked RavenCorvus ruficollis Cape CrowCorvus capensis

Heard a Pied Crow?

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