Blackbird is an open-source OSINT tool that searches for publicly available accounts associated with a username across supported websites and social networks. It helps security researchers, digital investigators, and OSINT practitioners identify potential online profiles from a single username.
The tool automates username searches across a broad range of platforms, reducing the need to check each website manually. Its features include a built-in web server, JSON result files, and a command to list supported sites. The number of supported platforms may change between releases, so check the project documentation for the current list.
Blackbird can complement other open-source OSINT tools when investigating online identities and correlating publicly available information.
Blackbird is available from its GitHub repository. Make sure Git and a compatible Python version are installed before proceeding.
Run the following commands to download the source code and enter the project directory:
git clone https://github.com/p1ngul1n0/blackbird.git cd blackbird
Install the Python packages required by the project:
pip install -r requirements.txt
For cleaner dependency management, consider using a Python virtual environment. Refer to the repository’s README for current installation instructions and compatibility details.
Use the -u option followed by the username you want to investigate:
python blackbird.py -u username
Blackbird checks supported services for potential matches. Review the returned profiles carefully, since matching usernames do not prove that accounts belong to the same individual.
To launch Blackbird’s web server mode, run:
python blackbird.py --web
Follow the terminal output and project documentation to determine how to access the web interface and which address or port it uses.
If you have an existing results file, use the -f option to load it:
python blackbird.py -f username.json
Replace username.json with the path to your actual results file. This option is useful for reviewing previously collected data without repeating the search.
To display the sites supported by your installed version, execute:
python blackbird.py --list-sites
This command helps you understand the tool’s coverage before starting an investigation. Support can vary as websites change their interfaces and access requirements.
Get the source code, review updates, and consult the latest usage instructions in the official Blackbird GitHub repository.
Use Blackbird only for lawful research and authorized investigations. Treat search results as leads that require verification, and handle personal information in accordance with applicable privacy requirements and website terms.
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