---
title: "bird search"
description: "Find the commands that do a task described in words"
canonical: "https://bird.com/docs/cli/reference/search"
---

# `bird search`

## Usage

```bash
bird search <query> [flags]
```

## Description

Ranks every command against the words of a task, such as "send a text to a customer" or "where is my api key", and prints the best matches as JSON, most relevant first. It runs offline and needs no sign-in. Each match is the same node "bird commands" prints, so a command the current grant cannot call carries disabled, required\_scope and next\_action.

## Examples

```bash
# Find how to send an SMS
bird search send a text message

# Print the best match's path
bird search connect a whatsapp number | jq -r '.data[0].path'
```

## Options

| Name          | Description                                    |
| ------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| `--limit <n>` | Maximum number of matches, 1 to 10 (default 5) |

## Related resources

- [Should I use a Bird SDK or call the API directly?](/explained/platform/should-i-use-an-sdk-or-call-the-api-directly) (answer)
- [Build your first integration](/learn/paths/integration) (course)
- [Send your first email](/docs/get-started/send-your-first-email) (docs)

[Get an implementation brief](/learn/workspace?topic=api-basics)