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

Radjah Shelduck

Radjah radjah

A striking, white-headed waterfowl of tropical wetlands, the Radjah Shelduck is easily identified by its pale eyes, chestnut upperparts, and white wing patches.

What it sounds like

Males emit a thin, hoarse whistle, while females produce a loud, harsh, rattling 'ark-ark-ark' sound.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:39

Rec. James Lambert · AustraliaCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

Pairs form long-term monogamous bonds that typically last for the duration of their lives.
Unlike many waterfowl, they primarily nest in tree hollows rather than on the ground.
The species is known for being highly sedentary, rarely moving far from its home territory unless prompted by severe drought.
It is frequently referred to as the 'Burdekin Duck' in Australia, named after the Burdekin River in Queensland.
Both sexes possess a diagnostic iridescent green speculum on the wing, bordered by black and white bands.

Habitat

Freshwater swamps, billabongs, mangroves, and brackish coastal lagoons.

Range

Northern Australia, New Guinea, and the Maluku Islands.

Heard a Radjah Shelduck?

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