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-eared Bulbul

Pycnonotus leucotis

The White-eared Bulbul is a medium-sized, lively passerine easily recognized by its distinctive white facial patches and vibrant yellow vent.

What it sounds like

A melodic, liquid series of bubbling notes, often described as a cheerful 'ti-lo-lo' or 'tea-for-two' whistle.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 1:47

Rec. Viral Patel & Pankaj Maheria · IndiaCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It is distinguished from the closely related Himalayan Bulbul by its lack of a prominent forward-curving crest.
The species is highly gregarious and is often observed in pairs or small, active family groups foraging for food.
It possesses a specialized patch of bright orange-yellow feathers under the tail, technically referred to as the vent.
This bird is exceptionally adaptable to human-modified landscapes, frequently nesting in suburban gardens and city parks.
While primarily frugivorous, it also consumes nectar and small invertebrates to supplement its nutritional requirements.

Habitat

Dry scrublands, mangroves, orchards, and urban gardens.

Range

Middle East and Southern Asia, extending from Iraq and Iran to northwestern India.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Aceh BulbulPycnonotus snouckaerti Ashy-fronted BulbulPycnonotus cinereifrons Ayeyarwady BulbulPycnonotus blanfordi Black-fronted BulbulPycnonotus nigricans Brown-breasted BulbulPycnonotus xanthorrhous Cape BulbulPycnonotus capensis Common BulbulPycnonotus barbatus Cream-eyed BulbulPycnonotus pseudosimplex

Heard a White-eared Bulbul?

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