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

Terek Sandpiper

Xenus cinereus

A distinctive medium-sized Palearctic wader easily recognized by its long, upwardly curved bill and energetic foraging style.

What it sounds like

A rapid, clear whistling 'twee-twee-twee-twee' or a flute-like 'hu-hu-hu'.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Albert Lastukhin · Russian FederationCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is the only member of the monotypic genus Xenus.
The bird possesses a uniquely upturned black bill with a yellow or orange base.
It displays a characteristic 'teetering' behavior, constantly bobbing its tail while feeding.
During the breeding season, it develops two prominent black 'V' shaped lines on its mantle.
It is a highly active feeder, often seen running rapidly across mudflats to chase mobile prey.

Habitat

Coastal mudflats, estuaries, and salt pans during non-breeding; river valleys and bogs in the taiga zone when breeding.

Range

Breeds across northern Eurasia from Finland to Siberia; winters in Africa, South Asia, and Australasia.

Heard a Terek Sandpiper?

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