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

Pigeon Guillemot

Cepphus columba

A medium-sized North Pacific auk distinguished by its soot-black breeding plumage, prominent white wing patches, and striking coral-red feet.

What it sounds like

A series of thin, high-pitched, piercing whistles or sibilant 'peee-eee' notes.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:11

Rec. Rachel Hudson · United StatesCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

Possesses a vibrant red mouth lining (gape) used in elaborate courtship and territorial gaping displays.
Unlike many other alcids, it primarily forages in shallow inshore waters rather than deep pelagic zones.
Uses its wings to 'fly' underwater, capable of diving to depths of 45 meters to capture benthic prey like blennies and sculpins.
Exhibits high site fidelity, often returning to the exact same rocky crevice or burrow to nest year after year.
In winter, the plumage undergoes a dramatic shift to mottled grey and white, though the red feet remain a diagnostic feature.

Habitat

Rocky coastlines, sea cliffs, and nearshore marine environments.

Range

North Pacific coasts, ranging from the Bering Sea and Alaska south to Southern California and west to Northeast Asia.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Black GuillemotCepphus grylle Spectacled GuillemotCepphus carbo

Heard a Pigeon Guillemot?

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