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

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

A small, needle-billed migratory bird famous for the male's iridescent red throat and its remarkable ability to hover while feeding on nectar.

What it sounds like

A series of rapid, high-pitched metallic 'chee-dit' chips and a low, steady buzz produced by the wings.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Albert Lastukhin · Costa RicaCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is the only hummingbird species that regularly breeds in the eastern United States and Canada.
During migration, some individuals fly non-stop across the Gulf of Mexico, a journey of roughly 500 miles.
Their wings beat approximately 53 times per second, creating the signature humming sound.
Nests are built from plant down and spider silk, allowing the structure to stretch as the chicks grow.
The brilliant ruby throat, or gorget, is caused by iridescent feathers that can appear dull black depending on the light angle.

Habitat

Deciduous and coniferous forest edges, orchards, meadows, and suburban gardens.

Range

Breeds across Eastern North America; winters in Mexico, Central America, and parts of Florida.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Black-chinned HummingbirdArchilochus alexandri

Heard a Ruby-throated Hummingbird?

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Identify a bird by its song