Birdwatching is a popular hobby because anyone can participate just by stepping outside or looking out a window. For some, the best part of birdwatching isn't watching at all, it's listening. Learning your local birds and their songs and call can help you better understand bird behavior, because vocalizing is an important way that birds communicate with each other. Here, we'll introduce you to bird songs and calls, how birds use them to communicate, and how you can learn to bird-by-ear.
What Are Bird Songs and Calls?
Bird songs and calls serve vital purposes in a bird's life. While you may hear these terms used interchangeably, there are crucial differences between them that all bird watchers should understand.
Definitions
- Bird Songs: Typically sung by males during the breeding season, songs are melodious and often more complex. They serve the function of attracting females and defending territories.
- Bird Calls: These are shorter and simpler sounds used for various purposes, including communication with flock members, signaling alarm, or indicating food sources. Both males and females produce calls.
Exploring Common Bird Songs
Learning some common bird songs can enhance your birding experience and help you get to know your birding neighbors.
Warblers
Warblers are known for their beautiful, complex songs -- yes, they warble. Learning a few bird song mneumonics may help you remember some of these beautiful songs. For example, the Common Yellowthroat, which is found throughout North America, features a characteristic "wichity, wichity, wichity" song, often heard from dense vegetation. Listen to a Common Yellowthroat recorded by a Haikubox here.
Robins
The American Robin is perhaps one of the most recognizable songbirds in North America. Their bright, cheerful song has a variety of notes and phrases, often described as "cheer-up, cheerily, cheerup." This melody is frequently hear in the early morning, when the birds sing it to establish and defend territory and attract mates. Listen to an American Robin recorded by a Haikubox here.
Sparrows
Sparrows produce a more subtle sound, consisting of rich, chirping calls. The Song Sparrow, for instance, emits a series of repeated notes that can resonate through the open fields they call home. Understanding their calls is essential for recognizing their presence, as these are one of many "little brown birds" that often blend into their surroundings and can be mistaken for other bird species. Listen to a Song Sparrow recorded by a Haikubox here.
Have you already mastered these birdsongs? Don't worry, your yard probably hosts many more species that you can explore!
Recognizing Bird Calls
While songs might capture your heart, bird calls can provide even more vital information about the avian world around you. Listening closely to these sounds can help you understand what birds might be trying to share with each other.
Alarm Calls
Many birds have distinct alarm calls that signal danger or the presence of predators. For example, the Black-capped Chickadee emits a harsh, sharp "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" call when threatened, with the number of "dee" notes indicating the level of danger. Listen to a Haikubox recording here. Understanding these calls can help you learn more about the ecosystem and its various interactions.
Contact Calls
During social gatherings, such as foraging or migrating, birds will produce contact calls to maintain group cohesion. The sweet "pee pee" sound of the Common Loon is one notable example, used to stay in touch with fellow members in their often busy, chaotic environment.
Tools for Bird Listening
For beginners, learning to identify bird songs and calls can initially feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there are various tools available to make your experience more enjoyable.
Bird Identification Apps
Technology has made it easier than ever to recognize bird sounds. Several apps offer extensive libraries of bird songs and calls. Some popular options include:
- Merlin Bird ID: This app not only assists with bird identification but also allows users to listen to various songs and calls.
- BirdNET: A machine-learning app that can identify bird calls based on audio recordings.
- Audubon Bird Guide: An excellent resource featuring beautiful photos and sounds of numerous bird species.
- Haikubox: This device and associated app will automatically identify and record your birds so you can listen and get to know their songs and calls at any time.
Field Guides
Having a physical field guide can greatly enhance your birdwatching experience and there are a few the focus almost exclusively on bird songs and calls. Check out resources from the Peterson Field Guides which describe the songs, provide mneumonics, and share spectrograms which are a visual representation of sound.
The Impact of Environment on Bird Vocalizations
Bird songs and calls can vary significantly depending on the environmental conditions in which birds live. Factors such as habitat type, urban noise, and even climate can influence bird behavior and sound production.
Urbanization and Noise Pollution
In urban areas, birds often adapt their songs to counteract the cacophony of city life. Many species have been observed singing at higher pitches or even increasing the volume of their calls to compete with background noise. This adaptation showcases the incredible resilience of birds and their ability to adjust to changing environments.
Geographic Variations
Bird calls can also differ based on geographic regions, with populations displaying unique regional dialects. Such diversity reflects the impact of local characteristics and bird behavior that arises from different ecosystems.
Seasonal Changes in Bird Songs
Spring and Mating Season
During spring, as days grow longer, male birds often ramp up their singing to attract mates. This period is characterized by a chorus of songs, especially during the early morning dawn chorus, resonating from treetops and open fields. Birdwatchers should pay attention to the influx of songs during spring, as this is the ideal time to witness some of their most vibrant and colorful displays.
Migration
Most birds migrate overnight and during their long flights they make special calls known as nocturnal flight calls (NFC). In many cases, these vocalizations are unique to migration and are thought to help birds maintain social connections, share information about their flights and navigate effectively. Since birds are often flying quite high in the sky, during the overnight hours, they can be hard for humans to hear. Want to know more about NFC and hear them yourself? Look for online resources for more information.
Fun Activities to Boost Your Listening Skills
With a bit of practice you can sharpen your auditory birding-by-ear skills.
Sound Mapping
Grab a notebook and head outside with the intent to focus solely on sound. Sit quietly for a few minutes, listening intently. Make a note of the different sounds you hear, indicating the species if you can identify them. This practice will improve your concentration and listening skills, enabling you to notice subtleties in bird behavior.
Listen, listen, listen
Listen to bird song and call recordings to boost your skills. You can listen and practice with apps like the Merlin Sound ID program, or invest in a Haikubox so you listen to recordings of the birds in your backyard. Repetitive listening and practice can turn you into an expert ear birder.
Enhancing Your Garden for Bird Sounds
Consider creating a welcoming backyard habitat that birds will visit all year.
Plant Native Species
Incorporating native plants into your garden will encourage local birds to visit. Native species provide essential food sources, such as berries, nuts, and seeds. And they also will host tasty bugs that your birds will love. Please remember to back off on pesticide use since they can be harmful for birds and will remove the food they need to thrive.
Install Bird Feeders and Baths
Setting up bird feeders and baths creates a welcoming atmosphere for birds in your yard. Positioning these resources in quieter areas allows birds to feel safe and encourages more dynamic interactions—offering ample opportunities to observe and listen to their vocalizations.