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 Mockingbird

Mimus gilvus

A widespread Neotropical songbird recognized for its exceptional mimicry and lack of white wing patches compared to its northern relative.

What it sounds like

A melodious and varied series of phrases, often repeated several times, including whistles, chirps, and imitative sequences.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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

Field notes

Unlike the Northern Mockingbird, it lacks large white wing patches visible in flight.
Known for its aggressive territorial defense, frequently mobbing potential predators or intruders.
Possesses a diverse vocal repertoire, incorporating calls from other bird species and local sounds.
Some populations exhibit cooperative breeding, where offspring stay to help raise subsequent broods.
It has adapted remarkably well to human-altered landscapes, thriving in suburban gardens and parks.

Habitat

Savannas, scrublands, open woodlands, and urban areas.

Range

Southern Mexico through Central America to northern South America and the Lesser Antilles.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Bahama MockingbirdMimus gundlachii Brown-backed MockingbirdMimus dorsalis Chalk-browed MockingbirdMimus saturninus Chilean MockingbirdMimus thenca Española MockingbirdMimus macdonaldi Floreana MockingbirdMimus trifasciatus Galapagos MockingbirdMimus parvulus Long-tailed MockingbirdMimus longicaudatus

Heard a Tropical Mockingbird?

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