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

Zone-tailed Hawk

Buteo albonotatus

A specialized Neotropical raptor notable for its remarkable morphological and behavioral mimicry of the Turkey Vulture. This slate-black Buteo utilizes its deceptive appearance to approach wary prey undetected.

What it sounds like

A loud, raspy, descending 'keee-arrrr' whistle, similar to a Red-tailed Hawk but generally thinner and more nasal in quality.

Reference call, compare with what you heard

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Rec. Richard E. Webster · United StatesCC BY-NC-SA Xeno-canto

Field notes

It employs 'aggressive mimicry' by flying with a pronounced V-shaped dihedral and rocking motion to imitate the flight profile of a harmless Turkey Vulture.
The tail features a diagnostic pattern of one broad white band and two narrower, inconspicuous bands against a black background.
Its primary diet consists of birds, lizards, and small mammals, which it captures via a sudden drop from a soaring position.
Unlike most hawks, it is frequently observed integrated into kettles of Turkey Vultures to maintain its disguise.
Breeding pairs are typically monogamous and show high site fidelity, often nesting in tall trees within rugged riparian canyons.

Habitat

Riparian woodlands, desert mountain ranges, and canyon lands, often near water sources in arid regions.

Range

Southwestern United States through Mexico and Central America to northern South America.

Similar & commonly confused birds

Augur BuzzardButeo augur Broad-winged HawkButeo platypterus Common BuzzardButeo buteo Eastern BuzzardButeo japonicus Ferruginous HawkButeo regalis Forest BuzzardButeo trizonatus Galapagos HawkButeo galapagoensis Gray HawkButeo plagiatus

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