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

Slaty Egret

Egretta vinaceigula

A rare and localized heron of south-central Africa, the Slaty Egret is recognized by its dark slate-grey plumage, rufous throat, and bright yellow legs.

What it sounds like

Generally silent, but produces a sharp, guttural 'kraak' when disturbed or during territorial disputes.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

No reference call found yet · Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is a Vulnerable species with a small global population estimated at fewer than 5,000 individuals.
Though similar in appearance to the Black Heron, it lacks the 'canopy feeding' behavior of folding its wings into a tent.
Its breeding cycles are strictly tied to the arrival of seasonal floodwaters in the Okavango Delta.
The distinctive vinous-red coloration on the throat is a key field mark that separates it from other dark egrets.
They are dietary specialists, primarily hunting small cichlid fish in shallow, vegetated waters.

Habitat

Shallow seasonal floodplains, marshes, and temporary wetlands with emergent cover.

Range

Southern Africa, centered heavily in the Okavango Delta of Botswana, with ranges extending into Namibia and Zambia.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Black HeronEgretta ardesiaca Chinese EgretEgretta eulophotes Little Blue HeronEgretta caerulea Little EgretEgretta garzetta Pacific Reef-HeronEgretta sacra Pied HeronEgretta picata Reddish EgretEgretta rufescens Slaty EgretEgretta vinaceigula

Heard a Slaty Egret?

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