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

Silvery Grebe

Podiceps occipitalis

An elegant, pale waterbird of South America distinguished by its silvery-grey plumage and striking facial plumes. It is highly social and often found in high-altitude Andean lakes.

What it sounds like

Generally quiet, but emits high-pitched, rhythmic whistles and soft 'kew-kew' notes during the breeding season.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. GABRIEL LEITE · ChileCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

The species is split into two distinct subspecies: the 'Northern' form with grey ear tufts and the 'Southern' form with golden-yellow tufts.
They are colonial nesters, often building floating platforms of aquatic vegetation in groups of hundreds.
Like most grebes, they swallow their own feathers to create a protective lining in the stomach against sharp fish bones.
They perform elaborate, synchronized courtship rituals including 'discovery' ceremonies and 'penguin' displays.
Their legs are set so far back on their bodies for diving efficiency that they are virtually unable to walk on land.

Habitat

Freshwater and alkaline lakes, high-altitude Andean lagoons, and coastal marshes.

Range

South America, ranging from the Andes of Colombia south to Tierra del Fuego and the Falkland Islands.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Colombian GrebePodiceps andinus Eared GrebePodiceps nigricollis Great Crested GrebePodiceps cristatus Great GrebePodiceps major Hooded GrebePodiceps gallardoi Horned GrebePodiceps auritus Junin GrebePodiceps taczanowskii Red-necked GrebePodiceps grisegena

Heard a Silvery Grebe?

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