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

White-browed Owl

Athene superciliaris

The White-browed Owl is a small, nocturnal raptor endemic to Madagascar, easily identified by its bold white 'eyebrows' and lack of ear tufts. It was traditionally placed in the genus Ninox but is now recognized as a member of the Athene genus.

What it sounds like

A series of low, rhythmic 'whooh' or 'who-wuh' notes repeated at intervals of several seconds.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / --:--

Rec. Garry Bakker · MadagascarCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is strictly endemic to Madagascar, where it is the most widespread owl species on the island.
Genetic analysis led to its reclassification from the hawk-owl genus Ninox to the owlet genus Athene.
Unlike many other owls, this species lacks ear tufts, giving it a smooth, rounded head profile.
Its diet is generalist, consisting of large insects, small reptiles, mammals, and occasionally other birds.
They are known to nest in tree cavities, often utilizing natural holes several meters above the ground.

Habitat

Dry deciduous forests, sub-arid thorn scrub, and occasionally humid evergreen forests or woody plantations.

Range

Madagascar (island-wide)

Similar & commonly confused birds

Burrowing OwlAthene cunicularia Forest OwletAthene blewitti Guadalcanal OwlAthene granti Little OwlAthene noctua Makira OwlAthene roseoaxillaris Malaita OwlAthene malaitae Spotted OwletAthene brama West Solomons OwlAthene jacquinoti

Heard a White-browed 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