AI Identification Disclaimer

Feather Identifier uses artificial intelligence to suggest which bird a feather may have come from, based on a photograph. We make no guarantees, representations, or warranties — express or implied — about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any species identification, feather type, placement, description, or other information produced by the service.

AI models can make mistakes, misread visual features, or produce inaccurate results (commonly referred to as “hallucinations”). The AI may name the wrong species, family, or feather type, misjudge size or placement on the bird, or describe range, habitat, and behaviour incorrectly. Photographs alone are often insufficient: many species have near-identical feathers, and wear, molt stage, lighting, bleaching, and the angle of the shot all affect what the model can see. Feathers of closely related birds frequently cannot be told apart without a physical reference collection.

You are solely responsible for how you use identification results. Always verify important details independently — against a reference collection such as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Feather Atlas, a printed field guide, or a qualified ornithologist, wildlife agency, or museum — before relying on an identification for any decision.

In many countries it is illegal to possess, collect, sell, trade, or transport the feathers of most wild birds, regardless of how they were found. In the United States this includes the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the Endangered Species Act, and state and local rules; other countries have their own laws, and international movement may be governed by CITES. Feather Identifier cannot determine whether a particular feather is legal for you to keep, and nothing in an identification is legal advice. Check with the relevant wildlife authority before collecting, keeping, selling, or transporting any feather.

Identifications say nothing about whether a feather is safe to handle. Found feathers can carry parasites such as lice and mites, bacteria, fungi, and viruses including avian influenza. Never use an identification to judge whether a feather is safe to touch, bring indoors, or give to children or pets. Handle unfamiliar feathers with care, wash your hands afterwards, and follow local public-health guidance, regardless of what the AI reports.

Nothing produced by Feather Identifier constitutes ornithological consulting, appraisal, authentication, or any other form of professional advice. Any references to value or collectability are AI-generated for general interest only and must not be used for buying, selling, insurance, or legal purposes. Many feathers cannot lawfully be sold at all.

Identifications may rely on photographs and field notes submitted by users. We do not verify user-provided information, and results that depend on it may be affected by its accuracy.

Public identifications shared to the community gallery are AI-generated content submitted by other users. They carry the same limitations described here and have not been reviewed by experts.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Feather Identifier and its affiliates will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from reliance on AI-generated identifications or descriptions, including fines or penalties, personal injury, illness, or financial loss.

We may update this disclaimer from time to time. Continued use of the service after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated disclaimer. By using Feather Identifier, you acknowledge and accept these limitations.