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

Stygian Owl

Asio stygius

A medium-large, dark-plumaged nocturnal raptor of the Neotropics known for its piercing orange eyes and prominent ear tufts.

What it sounds like

A deep, singular, low-pitched 'hu' or 'whoo' note repeated at intervals of several seconds.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 3:02

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

Field notes

The name 'Stygian' is derived from the River Styx in Greek mythology, referring to the bird's exceptionally dark, sooty-colored plumage.
It is an opportunistic predator that frequently specializes in hunting bats and small birds in addition to terrestrial rodents.
Unlike many of its relatives, it possesses notably long, erectile ear tufts that can be raised to create a distinct V-shaped profile.
The species exhibits a 'sit-and-wait' hunting strategy, often perching on high, exposed branches to scan for aerial prey.
Its dark facial disc is subtly highlighted by a white 'eyebrow' and a narrow white border, which aids in social signaling.

Habitat

Montane pine-oak forests, humid evergreen forests, and occasionally urban parks with dense canopy cover.

Range

Discontinuous range from Mexico and the Caribbean (Cuba, Hispaniola) through Central America to northern Argentina.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Abyssinian OwlAsio abyssinicus Fearful OwlAsio solomonensis Jamaican OwlAsio grammicus Long-eared OwlAsio otus Madagascar OwlAsio madagascariensis Marsh OwlAsio capensis Short-eared OwlAsio flammeus Striped OwlAsio clamator

Heard a Stygian Owl?

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