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

Varied Thrush

Ixoreus naevius

A striking, secretive thrush of the Pacific Northwest, easily identified by its slate-blue back, orange underparts, and bold black breast band.

What it sounds like

A series of long, ethereal, monochromatic whistles on different pitches, each followed by a long pause, sounding like a haunting flute.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:27

Rec. AUDEVARD Aurélien · United StatesCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is the sole member of its genus, Ixoreus, making it taxonomically distinct from other North American thrushes.
During winter, they are known for aggressive behavior at bird feeders, often chasing away larger birds like jays.
The species performs a 'leaf-flipping' foraging technique, using its bill to toss debris aside in search of invertebrates.
Their breeding density is significantly higher in old-growth forests compared to younger, managed timber stands.
While primarily western birds, they are famous for 'irruptive' winter movements that occasionally land them in the eastern United States.

Habitat

Dense, moist coniferous forests and shaded ravines; moves to lower elevations, parks, and gardens in winter.

Range

Western North America, ranging from Alaska and the Yukon south through the Pacific Northwest to central California.

Heard a Varied Thrush?

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