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

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

A large, conspicuous tyrant flycatcher recognized by its gray head, olive-green back, and vibrant yellow underparts.

What it sounds like

A rapid, high-pitched series of thin, metallic twittering notes or trills.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Marcos E. Sosa · ArgentinaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

Highly territorial and aggressive, often seen chasing away much larger raptors such as hawks and caracaras.
Distinguished from the similar Western Kingbird by its lack of white outer tail feathers and its more deeply notched tail.
Primarily an aerial insectivore, it utilizes a 'sallying' hunting technique to capture prey in mid-air from high perches.
Northernmost populations in the United States are migratory, while most Central and South American populations remain resident year-round.
Frequently perches on utility wires and exposed branches in urban areas, displaying high tolerance for human presence.

Habitat

Open areas with scattered trees, agricultural edges, urban parks, and riverside thickets.

Range

Southern Arizona and southern Texas through Central America to central Argentina.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Cassin's KingbirdTyrannus vociferans Couch's KingbirdTyrannus couchii Eastern KingbirdTyrannus tyrannus Fork-tailed FlycatcherTyrannus savana Giant KingbirdTyrannus cubensis Gray KingbirdTyrannus dominicensis Loggerhead KingbirdTyrannus caudifasciatus Scissor-tailed FlycatcherTyrannus forficatus

Heard a Tropical Kingbird?

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