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

Rothschild's Swift

Cypseloides rothschildi

A large, soot-colored swift endemic to the montane forests of the central Andes. It is a highly aerial insectivore that typically nests in damp, rocky environments near waterfalls.

What it sounds like

A rapid, dry series of high-pitched, buzzy chattering notes.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Niels Krabbe · ArgentinaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is currently classified as Near Threatened due to its relatively small and declining range in the Yungas forests.
The species was previously treated as a subspecies of the Sooty Swift before being elevated to full species status.
Nests are typically constructed from moss and mud on vertical rock faces, often hidden behind falling water.
It is a partial migrant, with populations moving to lower elevations or slightly further north during the austral winter.
Unlike many other swifts, it lacks distinct white plumage markings, appearing almost entirely dark brown or charcoal.

Habitat

Montane Yungas forests and rocky cliffs, often in close proximity to waterfalls or river gorges.

Range

Southern Bolivia and Northwestern Argentina.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Black SwiftCypseloides niger Great Dusky SwiftCypseloides senex Rothschild's SwiftCypseloides rothschildi Spot-fronted SwiftCypseloides cherriei White-chested SwiftCypseloides lemosi White-chinned SwiftCypseloides cryptus White-fronted SwiftCypseloides storeri White-fronted SwiftCypseloides storeri

Heard a Rothschild's Swift?

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