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

Scaled Dove

Columbina squammata

A small, terrestrial Neotropical dove easily identified by its distinctive scalloped plumage and long, white-tipped tail. It is a highly adaptable species frequently found in both wild scrublands and bustling urban environments.

What it sounds like

A repetitive, rhythmic two-syllable coo, often described as 'wa-coo' or 'co-coo', with a mournful tone.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:19

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

Field notes

The dark fringes on its feathers create a 'scaled' appearance that provide excellent camouflage against dry, sandy soils.
When startled into flight, their wings produce a characteristic metallic rattling or whistling sound.
Its species name, squammata, is Latin for 'scaled,' reflecting its unique plumage pattern.
In Brazil, its rhythmic call is famously onomatopoeic and interpreted as 'fogo-pagou' (the fire is paid for).
They are primarily granivores and are almost always seen foraging on the ground rather than in the canopy.

Habitat

Arid scrublands, caatinga, savannas, urban parks, and gardens.

Range

South America, covering eastern Brazil, northeast Colombia, Venezuela, Paraguay, and northern Argentina.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Blue-eyed Ground DoveColumbina cyanopis Common Ground DoveColumbina passerina Croaking Ground DoveColumbina cruziana Ecuadorian Ground DoveColumbina buckleyi Inca DoveColumbina inca Picui Ground DoveColumbina picui Plain-breasted Ground DoveColumbina minuta Ruddy Ground DoveColumbina talpacoti

Heard a Scaled Dove?

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