Birding 101: Songs and Calls
5/5/20262 min
Birds make all kinds of sounds — and they can have different meanings too. In this episode of BirdNote’s Birding 101 series, learn about the many ways that birds use songs and calls.
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More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.
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Transcript preview
First 90 secondsJoni Franklin· Host0:00
This is BirdNote. [bird chirping] Birds make all kinds of sounds, from squawks to chirps to warbles, and they can have different meanings. When you're first starting to bird by ear, it can be helpful to learn the difference between songs and calls. Birds produce songs to establish territory, attract a mate, and fend off rivals. They're more frequently performed by males during the breeding season, but many species sing year-round, and some female birds sing too. For example, male and female Northern Cardinals produce a song with clear whistles. [bird chirping] Songs can also be dry and mechanical, like this Chipping Sparrow's. [bird chirping] Or jumbled and metallic, like this Great-tailed Grackle's. [bird chirping] For everything else they need to say, birds use calls. Contact calls help birds stick together while foraging or traveling. This American Goldfinch makes a flight call to let the flock know he's still with the group. [bird chirping] When there's danger nearby, Black-capped Chickadees make a distinctive alarm call. [bird chirping] In fact, chickadee alarm calls are understood by dozens of other species, including birds and birders.