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-throated Twinspot

Hypargos niveoguttatus

A shy and striking estrildid finch known for its brilliant crimson plumage and distinctive white-spotted flanks. It is typically found skulking in the dense undergrowth of East and Southern African forests.

What it sounds like

A rapid series of high-pitched, tinkling trills and sharp 'tseet' notes, often incorporating mimicry.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:26

Rec. isaac kilusu · TanzaniaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

The species is named for the bold, paired white spots ('twinspots') that decorate its black underparts.
Exhibits sexual dimorphism: males have a deep red face and breast, while females feature a more muted orange-buff throat.
Despite their vivid coloration, they are highly secretive and spend most of their time foraging in dark leaf litter for seeds and small insects.
They construct a globular, dome-shaped nest with a side entrance, usually hidden close to the ground in thick vegetation.
They are primarily monogamous and are most frequently seen in pairs or small family groups rather than large flocks.

Habitat

Dense riverine thickets, forest edges, and lush secondary growth with thick understory.

Range

Eastern and Southern Africa, ranging from Kenya and Somalia south to Mozambique and eastern South Africa.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Pink-throated TwinspotHypargos margaritatus

Heard a Red-throated Twinspot?

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