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

Spotted Dove

Spilopelia chinensis

A small, long-tailed pigeon native to Asia, characterized by its rosy-grey plumage and a distinctive white-spotted black collar. It is a highly adaptable species common in both natural and anthropogenic landscapes.

What it sounds like

A gentle, rhythmic three or four-syllable coo, often transcribed as 'krook-kroo-kroo' or 'cuk-coo-coo'.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Albert Lastukhin · ChinaCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

The signature 'lace-neck' patch of white spots on black is absent in juvenile birds, appearing only as they reach maturity.
Unlike most birds, they can drink water by suction, allowing them to keep their heads down while hydrating.
Courtship involves a 'display flight' where the male flies steeply upward before gliding down in a wide, circular arc with wings and tail spread.
Though primarily ground-feeding granivores, they have been observed occasionally consuming insects such as winged termites.
The species was successfully introduced to Los Angeles in the early 1900s, establishing a persistent population in Southern California.

Habitat

Open woodlands, scrub, agricultural areas, and urban parks or gardens.

Range

Native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia; introduced to Australia, USA, and Mauritius.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Laughing DoveSpilopelia senegalensis

Heard a Spotted Dove?

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