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

Silver-eared Mesia

Leiothrix argentauris

The Silver-eared Mesia is a striking, colorful member of the Leiothrichidae family, easily recognized by its bright yellow breast and distinct silvery-white ear patches. This energetic babbler is known for its highly social nature and melodic vocalizations in dense montane foliage.

What it sounds like

A series of clear, cheerful, and flute-like whistling notes, typically transcribed as 'wi-che-che-wi-che-chi'.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

No reference call found yet · Xeno-canto

Field notes

Sexual dimorphism is visible in the rump color: males feature a deep crimson rump, while females have an orange-yellow rump.
They are exceptionally social birds, frequently forming active foraging parties of 6 to 30 individuals outside of the breeding season.
Their omnivorous diet includes a wide range of invertebrates such as beetles and caterpillars, supplemented by various berries and seeds.
During the breeding season, pairs build a sturdy cup-shaped nest primarily made of bamboo leaves, moss, and fine rootlets.
Although largely sedentary, populations in higher elevations may undergo altitudinal migration to lower valleys during cold winters.

Habitat

Subtropical and tropical moist montane forests, tea plantations, and dense secondary scrub.

Range

South and Southeast Asia, ranging from the Himalayas through Southern China to Indochina and Sumatra.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Red-billed LeiothrixLeiothrix lutea

Heard a Silver-eared Mesia?

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