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-faced Ground-Sparrow

Melozone biarcuata

A large, striking sparrow of the Central American highlands, distinguished by its bold white facial patch and preference for foraging in dense leaf litter.

What it sounds like

Thin, high-pitched 'tsee' or 'tsit' calls; song is a series of accelerating, squeaky whistles.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

0:00 / 0:17

Rec. Peter Boesman · GuatemalaCC BY-NC-ND Xeno-canto

Field notes

It was formerly considered conspecific with the Cabanis's Ground-Sparrow, but they are now recognized as distinct species based on plumage and range.
The species is characterized by a prominent white patch on the lores and around the eye, contrasted against a black mask and rufous crown.
It utilizes a 'double-scratch' foraging technique, hopping forward and then kicking back with both feet to uncover seeds and invertebrates.
Though widespread in its range, it is often difficult to observe as it stays low in dense thickets and coffee plantations.
The species is primarily non-migratory, maintaining its territory throughout the year in high-altitude scrub zones.

Habitat

Secondary woodland, coffee plantations, scrubby thickets, and overgrown clearings.

Range

Southern Mexico (Chiapas), Guatemala, El Salvador, and western Honduras.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Abert's TowheeMelozone aberti Cabanis's Ground-SparrowMelozone cabanisi California TowheeMelozone crissalis Canyon TowheeMelozone fusca Gray-crowned Ground-SparrowMelozone occipitalis Rusty-crowned Ground-SparrowMelozone kieneri Rusty-crowned Ground-SparrowMelozone kieneri White-eared Ground-SparrowMelozone leucotis

Heard a White-faced Ground-Sparrow?

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