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

Southern Hill Myna

Gracula indica

A large, glossy black starling distinguished by its remarkable vocal mimicry and vibrant yellow wattles. It is a social canopy-dweller endemic to the hilly forests of South Asia.

What it sounds like

A complex series of loud, piercing whistles, liquid gurgles, and discordant metallic shrieks.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 1:41

Rec. Sathyan Meppayur · IndiaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

Distinguished from the Common Hill Myna by its two separate yellow wattles on the nape that do not join together.
It is primarily frugivorous, playing a key role in seed dispersal for various tropical forest trees.
Nests are usually placed in high tree cavities, often utilizing abandoned holes excavated by woodpeckers or barbets.
The species is monogamous and pairs often remain together throughout the year, foraging in small family groups.
Known for its exceptionally wide range of vocalizations, it can mimic other bird species and ambient forest noises with high precision.

Habitat

Humid evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, often near edges and clearings in hilly terrain.

Range

Western Ghats of southwestern India and the central hill country of Sri Lanka.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Common Hill MynaGracula religiosa Sri Lanka MynaGracula ptilogenys Tenggara Hill MynaGracula venerata

Heard a Southern Hill Myna?

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