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

Scott's Oriole

Icterus parisorum

A striking black-and-yellow songbird of the arid American Southwest, the Scott's Oriole is a desert specialist closely associated with yuccas and agaves. It is known for its beautiful, flute-like song that differs significantly from the chatter of other oriole species.

What it sounds like

A rich, liquid, melodic series of whistles reminiscent of a Western Meadowlark; call is a harsh, dry 'chuck'.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 3:14

Rec. Richard E. Webster · United StatesCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is highly dependent on yuccas, often weaving its nest from yucca fibers and suspending it from the plant's sharp leaves.
The species is named after General Winfield Scott, though it was officially described by Darius N. Couch in 1854.
Adult males require two years to acquire their full jet-black and lemon-yellow plumage; first-year males resemble females.
They are significant nectar feeders and act as pollinators for various desert succulents, including agaves.
Unlike many other orioles that prefer riparian corridors, this species thrives in high-elevation pinyon-juniper woodlands and rocky slopes.

Habitat

Arid desert scrub, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and landscapes dominated by yucca, agave, and Joshua trees.

Range

Southwestern United States (California to Texas) and south through the Mexican Plateau.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Altamira OrioleIcterus gularis Audubon's OrioleIcterus graduacauda Bahama OrioleIcterus northropi Baltimore OrioleIcterus galbula Bar-winged OrioleIcterus maculialatus Black-backed OrioleIcterus abeillei Black-cowled OrioleIcterus prosthemelas Black-vented OrioleIcterus wagleri

Heard a Scott's Oriole?

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