The calling birds mentioned in the popular Christmas carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas” refer to a specific type of bird known for its melodious song. But what exactly are calling birds, and what color are they? In this comprehensive article, we will examine the history behind calling birds, their common traits and behaviors, and the reasoning behind their seasonal association with Christmas.
What are calling birds?
Calling birds are songbirds that are given their name because of their distinctive and melodic calls. There are a few specific species that are referred to as “calling birds”:
- Northern Cardinals
- Tufted Titmice
- Chickadees
- Finches
These birds all have beautiful, musical calls that stand out amongst other birds. Their calls are often loud, clear, and can be heard from a distance. Many people enjoy listening to calling birds in their backyards, parks, and gardens.
Northern Cardinals
Northern cardinals are one of the most popular and recognizable calling birds. The males have bright red plumage, a black mask around their eyes and beaks, and a tall crest on their heads. The females are more brownish-gray in color. Cardinals get their name from the red robe worn by Roman Catholic cardinals. Cardinals have a loud, whistling call that can be heard from far away. Their call has been described as “cheer cheer cheer” or “birdie birdie birdie.” Cardinals are found widely across North America.
Tufted Titmice
Tufted titmice are small, gray birds with a prominent black crest and large eyes. Their name comes from an old word meaning “small” and refers to their tiny size. Titmice make a whistled call that is often described as “peter peter peter.” They make this call repeatedly while foraging in trees and bushes. Tufted titmice are found throughout eastern and central North America.
Chickadees
Chickadees are tiny, active birds with big round heads and short necks. There are several species of chickadees in North America, including the black-capped chickadee, Carolina chickadee, and boreal chickadee. Chickadees are known for their “chick-a-dee-dee” call, which is where their name comes from. The number of “dee” notes at the end of their call varies by species. Chickadees can be found in forests, parks, and backyard feeders across much of North America.
Finches
There are several species of finch that qualify as calling birds, such as the purple finch and American goldfinch. Male purple finches have a reddish-purple head and breast and make musical, warbling calls. American goldfinches have bright yellow plumage and a bouncy, up-and-down flight pattern. Their calls are light, tinkling notes. Other finches with beautiful songs include the evening grosbeak and pine siskin.
Common Traits of Calling Birds
While individual species of calling birds have unique plumage and songs, they share some common traits:
- Melodious voices – They have melodious, musical calls that are pleasant to human ears.
- Use of calls for communication – They use their calls to identify themselves to other birds, defend territories, attract mates, and communicate other information.
- Size – Most calling birds are small to medium sized songbirds.
- Habitat – They live in a variety of semi-open habitats like forests, thickets, parks, and backyards.
- Diet – They mainly eat insects, seeds, nuts, and berries.
- Nesting – They build cup-shaped nests in trees and shrubs out of grass, twigs, moss, and other plant material.
- Migration – Some species migrate while others live in the same area year-round.
Behaviors of Calling Birds
In addition to their vocalizations, calling birds display a variety of interesting behaviors:
- Foraging – They forage actively in bushes and on the ground for insects, seeds, and berries.
- Bathing – They bathe frequently in puddles or bird baths to clean their feathers.
- Caching food – Some species cache or hide food to eat later in crevices or holes.
- Mobbing predators – They may work together to mob or harass potential predators like crows, hawks, and cats.
- Flocking – Some species travel together in large flocks, especially during migration or winter.
- Year-round residence – Some remain on breeding territories year-round while others migrate.
- Building winter roosts – Some species huddle in cavities or nest boxes to stay warm in winter months.
- Singing – Males sing frequently through the spring and summer to attract mates and defend territories.
Reasons Calling Birds are Associated with Christmas
So why are calling birds associated with Christmas and featured in the classic carol? Here are some of the main reasons behind their seasonal connection:
- Symbolism – Calling birds symbolize joy, community, and blessings. Their songs and colors add cheerfulness and warmth to the cold winter season.
- Christianity – Partridges were included in early versions of the carol which were known as gifts from God. Some believe the calling birds took their place to symbolize the four gospel writers.
- Winter presence – Many calling birds remain through winter and their cheerful voices stand out against the quiet landscape.
- Seasonal gatherings – Large flocks congregate at feeders and fruiting trees, reminding people of gatherings with family and friends.
- Gift of song – Their beautiful songs and colors make calling birds seem like wonderful gifts from nature during the darkest time of year.
What Color are Calling Birds?
Calling birds come in a rainbow of different colors! Here are some of the most common colors among species considered to be calling birds:
- Red – Northern cardinals are almost entirely red. The males are a vivid scarlet while females are more reddish-brown.
- Yellow – American goldfinches turn a bright golden yellow in spring. Pine siskins have yellow streaks.
- Blue – Indigo buntings and eastern bluebirds have brilliant blue feathers.
- Green – Pine grosbeaks have gray bodies with olive green accents. Purple finches have greenish backs and tails.
- White – Dark-eyed juncos have white outer tail feathers that flash as they fly. Some chickadees have white markings on their wings or tails.
- Orange – The American goldfinch has bright orange on its face, wings, and tail.
- Brown – House finches are reddish-brown. Sparrows have brown streaking.
- Pink – Pine grosbeaks and purple finches have rosy pink or raspberry colorings.
- Gray – Tufted titmice, chickadees, and juncos have gray feathers on their heads, wings, or bodies.
- Black – Common grackles have iridescent black plumage that shines purple or blue in bright light.
So as you can see, calling birds come in a huge diversity of colors! The flash of red from a cardinal, the sunshine yellow of a goldfinch, and the sky blue plumage of an indigo bunting all add cheerful pops of color to the winter landscape. Next time you hear calling birds singing, look closely to appreciate their incredible rainbow of hues.
Conclusion
Calling birds are a varied group of songbirds united by their melodious voices that ring out through gardens, parks, and woodlands. When mentioned in the Christmas carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” calling birds are likely referring to species like cardinals, chickadees, titmice, and finches. These birds stay active and vocal during the winter, providing cheer with their bright colors and musical calls. Calling birds symbolize the joy, gatherings, song, and blessings of the holiday season. So next time you hear their voices, listen closely and appreciate these gifts of nature that add beauty and melody to the long winter months.