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

Red-fronted Coot

Fulica rufifrons

The Red-fronted Coot is a large South American rail characterized by its dark slaty plumage and a distinctive, narrow red frontal shield that extends to the top of its head.

What it sounds like

A series of low, guttural barking or clucking sounds, often described as 'wuck-wuck-wuck'.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Cristian Pinto Fernandez · ChileCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is distinguished from the similar Red-gartered Coot by its narrower, pointed frontal shield and the absence of red garters on its legs.
The bill is yellow with a red base, and its large feet feature lobed toes rather than full webbing for aquatic propulsion.
Unlike many other coot species, it is notably less territorial and tends to be more reclusive, often staying near cover.
During the austral winter, southern populations migrate northward to reach warmer climates in northern Argentina and southern Brazil.
It constructs floating nests made of reeds and aquatic plants, typically laying a clutch of 4 to 8 spotted eggs.

Habitat

Freshwater lakes, marshes, and ponds with significant emergent vegetation and floating plants.

Range

Southern South America, including central Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and southeastern Brazil.

Similar & commonly confused birds

American CootFulica americana Eurasian CootFulica atra Giant CootFulica gigantea Hawaiian CootFulica alai Horned CootFulica cornuta Mascarene CootFulica newtonii Red-gartered CootFulica armillata Red-knobbed CootFulica cristata

Heard a Red-fronted Coot?

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