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

Plain-capped Starthroat

Heliomaster constantii

The Plain-capped Starthroat is a large, long-billed hummingbird of the Pacific slope, known for its understated plumage and subtle iridescent throat.

What it sounds like

A sharp, high-pitched, metallic 'tsip' or 'peek' note.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:34

Rec. Richard E. Webster · MexicoCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

Possesses an exceptionally long, straight bill adapted for extracting nectar from deep-tubular flowers.
Features a distinct white malar streak and a prominent white patch on the rump.
The metallic red gorget is often inconspicuous, appearing dark or grayish until caught in direct light.
Regularly engages in fly-catching behavior, hawking for insects in mid-air more frequently than smaller hummingbirds.
Though primarily a resident of Mexico and Central America, it is a rare but regular visitor to southern Arizona during late summer.

Habitat

Tropical dry forests, arid scrublands, and riparian galleries.

Range

Western Mexico south to Costa Rica; occasional records in the Southwestern United States.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Blue-tufted StarthroatHeliomaster furcifer Long-billed StarthroatHeliomaster longirostris Stripe-breasted StarthroatHeliomaster squamosus

Heard a Plain-capped Starthroat?

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

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