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

Volcano Junco

Junco vulcani

The Volcano Junco is a large, terrestrial sparrow endemic to high-altitude peaks, distinguished by its heavily streaked plumage and piercing yellow eyes.

What it sounds like

High-pitched, thin 'tsip' or 'tseee' calls and a simple, squeaky, accelerated warbling song.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Hans Matheve · Costa RicaCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is the largest species in the genus Junco, significantly exceeding its North American relatives in size.
Unlike the solid gray or black patterns of other juncos, this species has brown, heavily streaked upperparts providing camouflage in alpine scrub.
It is considered a relict species, restricted to 'sky island' habitats found only above the timberline on volcanic peaks.
The species possesses a striking, bright yellow iris that contrasts sharply against a dark facial mask.
When foraging, it often moves with a distinctive, rapid run across the ground rather than the typical hopping motion of most sparrows.

Habitat

Subalpine scrub, paramo grasslands, and open areas above the timberline.

Range

High mountains of Costa Rica and western Panama.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Baird's JuncoJunco bairdi Dark-eyed JuncoJunco hyemalis Guadalupe JuncoJunco insularis Volcano JuncoJunco vulcani Yellow-eyed JuncoJunco phaeonotus

Heard a Volcano Junco?

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