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

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

A medium-sized, elegant white heron distinguished by its black bill, black legs, and contrasting bright yellow feet. It is famous for its delicate plumage and active, 'dancing' foraging behavior in shallow water.

What it sounds like

A low, raspy croak or a harsh, nasal 'aah' given when disturbed or during aggressive displays.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Paul Driver · United StatesCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It uses its bright yellow feet—often called 'golden slippers'—to stir up mud and flush out prey like fish and crustaceans.
In the late 19th century, its population was decimated by the plume trade, as its breeding feathers were highly sought after for ladies' hats.
During the breeding season, the yellow patch of skin between the bill and eyes (the lores) temporarily turns a vibrant red-orange.
It is a highly social nester, often forming dense colonies or 'rookeries' with other species of herons and ibises.
Unlike the stationary Great Egret, the Snowy Egret often hunts by sprinting through the water or vibrating its feet to startle food.

Habitat

Salt marshes, tidal flats, estuaries, mangroves, and freshwater ponds.

Range

Widespread across North, Central, and South America, from the United States to Chile and Argentina.

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 Snowy Egret?

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