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-collared Swift

Streptoprocne zonaris

A massive, powerful swift characterized by its robust body, soot-black plumage, and a conspicuous white collar around the neck.

What it sounds like

A series of loud, shrill, metallic screeches and chattering, often described as 'creee-creee-creee'.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Ricardo José Mitidieri · BrazilCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is among the largest swift species in the world, possessing a wingspan that can reach up to 50 centimeters.
The species often nests on vertical rock faces located directly behind waterfalls, using the spray to keep the nest moist.
They are highly gregarious, frequently seen in massive wheeling flocks that can number in the thousands.
Equipped with pamprodactyl feet, all four of their toes can point forward to facilitate clinging to damp, vertical cliffs.
They are capable of foraging over vast distances in a single day, often traveling hundreds of miles to follow weather fronts for insects.

Habitat

Montane forests, deep river canyons, and rocky cliffs, typically near waterfalls or cave systems.

Range

Widespread across Central and South America, from Mexico and the Caribbean to northern Argentina.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Biscutate SwiftStreptoprocne biscutata Chestnut-collared SwiftStreptoprocne rutila Tepui SwiftStreptoprocne phelpsi White-naped SwiftStreptoprocne semicollaris White-naped SwiftStreptoprocne semicollaris

Heard a White-collared Swift?

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