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

Vermilion Cardinal

Cardinalis phoeniceus

A stunning, desert-adapted relative of the Northern Cardinal characterized by its elongated vertical crest and intense scarlet plumage.

What it sounds like

A series of clear, melodic whistles and sharp, metallic 'chip' notes.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Francisco contreras · VenezuelaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

Features a distinctive, exceptionally long and upright crest that is more prominent than that of its North American relatives.
Males possess an intensely vibrant, fiery-red plumage, while females are predominantly greyish-brown with red accents.
This species is endemic to the arid coastal regions of northern South America.
They are highly adapted to xeric environments and are frequently found foraging among cacti and thorny scrub.
Their diet is omnivorous, consisting mainly of seeds, fruits, and small insects found within their restricted range.

Habitat

Arid coastal scrublands, thorn forests, and desert-like shrublands.

Range

Northern Colombia and Venezuela.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Northern CardinalCardinalis cardinalis PyrrhuloxiaCardinalis sinuatus

Heard a Vermilion Cardinal?

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Identify a bird by its song