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

Rufous-backed Wren

Campylorhynchus capistratus

A large, conspicuous wren of Pacific Central America, easily identified by its bright rufous back and bold black-and-white head pattern.

What it sounds like

A loud, musical, and complex series of liquid gurgles, rhythmic chortles, and scratchy chatters, frequently performed as a duet.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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

Field notes

Constructs large, football-shaped nests in thorny acacia trees to deter predators like monkeys and snakes.
Commonly practices cooperative breeding, where offspring from previous broods assist the parents in raising new chicks.
The species was formerly categorized as a subspecies of the 'Rufous-naped Wren' complex before being split by taxonomists.
Maintains a close symbiotic-like relationship with bull's-horn acacias, often nesting near stinging ants for extra protection.
Highly social and vocal, they are rarely seen alone and typically travel in noisy family groups of up to four or five birds.

Habitat

Tropical dry forests, arid scrubland, and open secondary growth, particularly areas with thorny trees.

Range

Pacific lowlands and interior valleys from southwestern Mexico (Chiapas) south to northwestern Costa Rica.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Band-backed WrenCampylorhynchus zonatus Bicolored WrenCampylorhynchus griseus Boucard's WrenCampylorhynchus jocosus Cactus WrenCampylorhynchus brunneicapillus Fasciated WrenCampylorhynchus fasciatus Giant WrenCampylorhynchus chiapensis Gray-barred WrenCampylorhynchus megalopterus Russet-naped WrenCampylorhynchus humilis

Heard a Rufous-backed Wren?

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