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 Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna guttata

A medium-sized waterfowl distinguished by its striking white-spotted flanks and a notably arboreal lifestyle compared to other ducks.

What it sounds like

A high-pitched, multi-note whistle often described as a rapid 'wit-wit-wit' or 'ti-ti-ti'.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Marc Anderson · AustraliaCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is unique among whistling-ducks for the bold, circular white spots that decorate its dark brown flanks.
Unlike many other waterfowl, this species prefers to nest in tree hollows rather than on the ground.
It is primarily nocturnal or crepuscular, often flying to feeding grounds after sunset.
While mostly sedentary, populations may move locally in response to seasonal changes in water availability.
Juveniles lack the adult's distinct spotting, instead exhibiting a more uniform and dull brownish plumage.

Habitat

Freshwater lakes, marshes, and swamps, particularly those surrounded by tall trees.

Range

The Philippines, Indonesia, and New Guinea, with occasional records in northern Australia.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Black-bellied Whistling-DuckDendrocygna autumnalis Fulvous Whistling-DuckDendrocygna bicolor Lesser Whistling-DuckDendrocygna javanica Lesser Whistling-DuckDendrocygna javanica Plumed Whistling-DuckDendrocygna eytoni Wandering Whistling-DuckDendrocygna arcuata West Indian Whistling-DuckDendrocygna arborea White-faced Whistling-DuckDendrocygna viduata

Heard a Spotted Whistling-Duck?

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