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-gartered Coot

Fulica armillata

The Red-gartered Coot is a large, dark aquatic rail distinguished by the striking red bands on its upper legs and its yellow bill and frontal shield. It is a conspicuous inhabitant of southern South American wetlands, often seen swimming in open water alongside other waterfowl.

What it sounds like

A varied repertoire of sharp, rhythmic 'kek' or 'puep' notes, interspersed with low croaks and clicking sounds.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. JAYRSON ARAUJO DE OLIVEIRA · BrazilCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is the largest species of coot in South America, reaching a total length of approximately 45 to 50 centimeters.
The 'garters' for which it is named are actually bright red patches of skin on the tibiae, located just above the yellow-green legs.
Unlike the similar Red-fronted Coot, its frontal shield is yellow and separated from the yellow bill by a thin red transverse line.
While highly territorial during the breeding season, this species often forms massive gregarious flocks in the winter.
Its nest is a large floating platform of aquatic vegetation, typically anchored to submerged plants in deeper water to avoid land predators.

Habitat

Freshwater lakes, marshes, lagoons, and sluggish rivers with significant emergent or floating vegetation.

Range

Southern South America, including 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-fronted CootFulica rufifrons Red-knobbed CootFulica cristata

Heard a Red-gartered Coot?

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