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

Striated Heron

Butorides striata

A small, crouched heron with slate-grey plumage and a dark cap, known for its solitary and highly patient ambush hunting style.

What it sounds like

A sharp, explosive 'kyow' or 'skyak' given when startled or taking flight.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:03

Rec. Tristan Guillebot de Nerville · French GuianaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

One of the few bird species documented using tools, often dropping feathers or insects onto the water's surface as bait to lure fish.
Previously considered conspecific with the North American Green Heron, the two are now recognized as distinct species within the 'green-backed heron' complex.
Assumes a distinctive hunting posture with the body held horizontally and the neck retracted, ready to strike with lightning speed.
Displays a bright orange flush on its normally yellow or greenish legs during the peak of its courtship period.
While primarily a diurnal hunter, it often becomes crepuscular or nocturnal in areas with high human activity to avoid disturbance.

Habitat

Mangrove forests, estuaries, wooded riverbanks, and saltwater marshes.

Range

Widespread throughout South America, Africa, South and East Asia, and Oceania.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Green HeronButorides virescens Lava HeronButorides sundevalli Little HeronButorides atricapilla Little HeronButorides atricapilla

Heard a Striated Heron?

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