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 Lapwing

Vanellus chilensis

The Southern Lapwing is a conspicuous and vocal ground-dwelling plover, easily recognized by its crested head and bold, territorial temperament.

What it sounds like

A loud, piercing, and repetitive 'quero-quero' or 'keek-keek-keek' alarm cry.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Manuel Sánchez-Nivicela · EcuadorCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

Possesses sharp, red carpal spurs on the bend of each wing used for aggressive defense against intruders.
Employs 'false brooding' and 'broken-wing' displays to distract potential predators from its actual nest site.
It is the national bird of Uruguay and frequently serves as a mascot for South American sports teams.
Highly adapted to human environments, it often nests on flat rooftops, golf courses, and airport taxiways.
While predominantly a shorebird, it is increasingly common in dry upland pastures far from major water sources.

Habitat

Open grasslands, pastures, riverbanks, and urban areas like parks and athletic fields.

Range

Widespread across South America, from Panama and Colombia south to the tip of Argentina.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Andean LapwingVanellus resplendens Banded LapwingVanellus tricolor Black-headed LapwingVanellus tectus Black-winged LapwingVanellus melanopterus Blacksmith LapwingVanellus armatus Brown-chested LapwingVanellus superciliosus Crowned LapwingVanellus coronatus Gray-headed LapwingVanellus cinereus

Heard a Southern Lapwing?

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