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

Western Screech-Owl

Megascops kennicottii

A small, nocturnal raptor of western North America, famous for its excellent camouflage and distinctive 'bouncing ball' song.

What it sounds like

A rhythmic series of short, hollow whistles that accelerates in tempo, resembling the sound of a dropped bouncing ball.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:05

Rec. David Tattersley · United StatesCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

Despite its name, the primary vocalization is a series of accelerating whistles rather than a screech.
The prominent 'ear tufts' are actually feathers used for camouflage and social signaling, not for hearing.
It is a highly adaptable hunter, consuming a wide range of prey including scorpions, fish, and small mammals.
Western Screech-Owls are almost identical to Eastern Screech-Owls but are distinguished by their dark bills and unique songs.
They are frequent residents of suburban backyards and readily accept man-made nesting boxes.

Habitat

Riparian woodlands, desert scrub, coastal forests, and suburban parks.

Range

Western North America from Southeast Alaska and British Columbia south to Central Mexico.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Balsas Screech-OwlMegascops seductus Bare-shanked Screech-OwlMegascops clarkii Bearded Screech-OwlMegascops barbarus Black-capped Screech-OwlMegascops atricapilla Choco Screech-OwlMegascops centralis Cinnamon Screech-OwlMegascops petersoni Cloud-forest Screech-OwlMegascops marshalli Eastern Screech-OwlMegascops asio

Heard a Western Screech-Owl?

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