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

West Indian Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna arborea

The largest of the whistling-ducks, this elusive Caribbean endemic is primarily nocturnal and often observed perching high in trees.

What it sounds like

A loud, high-pitched, multi-syllabic whistle often transcribed as 'wa-chi-chi-wheee'.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Eric DeFonso · Puerto RicoCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is the largest species in the genus Dendrocygna, reaching lengths of up to 58 centimeters.
Unlike many waterfowl, it is largely nocturnal, flying from daytime roosts at dusk to feed on royal palm fruit.
The species is highly arboreal and possesses long toes with strong claws adapted for perching on branches.
It is currently classified as Near Threatened, with a population sensitive to habitat loss and illegal hunting.
Nests are found in diverse locations including tree cavities, among bromeliads, or on the ground under dense cover.

Habitat

Mangrove swamps, forested wetlands, and freshwater marshes.

Range

Endemic to the West Indies, including the Bahamas, Greater Antilles, and northern Lesser Antilles.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Black-bellied Whistling-DuckDendrocygna autumnalis Fulvous Whistling-DuckDendrocygna bicolor Lesser Whistling-DuckDendrocygna javanica Lesser Whistling-DuckDendrocygna javanica Plumed Whistling-DuckDendrocygna eytoni Spotted Whistling-DuckDendrocygna guttata Wandering Whistling-DuckDendrocygna arcuata White-faced Whistling-DuckDendrocygna viduata

Heard a West Indian Whistling-Duck?

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