Bluebirds are songbirds that are found across North America. They are known for their beautiful blue plumage and melodious calls. But do bluebirds actually have distinct calls that they use to communicate? Let’s take a closer look at bluebird vocalizations.
Bluebird species
There are three main species of bluebird in North America:
- Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis)
- Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana)
- Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides)
Each species has its own unique calls and songs that are used for communicating different messages.
Eastern Bluebird calls
The Eastern Bluebird has a variety of distinct vocalizations that serve different functions:
- Song: Often described as melodious or flute-like. Used to declare a nesting territory and attract a mate.
- Call note: A short, high-pitched “phew” or “tew.” Used to communicate with their mate or signal alarm.
- Fledgling beg call: A repeated one-note whistled call. Used by young to beg for food from parents.
- Distress calls: Harsher “jsh” or “tchek” sounds. Used when threatened by predators.
Here is an audio clip of typical Eastern Bluebird vocalizations:
Western Bluebird calls
Like the Eastern Bluebird, the Western Bluebird also uses distinct calls and songs:
- Dawn song: A complex, musical warbling used early in the day during breeding season. Helps define territory.
- Short call: A soft “chur” noise used during foraging to communicate with flock members.
- Alarm call: A harsh, throaty “chak” sound given when predators are spotted.
- Begging call: Softer, repeated one-note whistles. Fledglings begging parents for food.
Here is a recording of Western Bluebird vocalizations:
Mountain Bluebird calls
The Mountain Bluebird also uses vocalizations typical of the species:
- Breeding song: A warbling song with flute-like notes. Used to attract mate and defend territory.
- Call note: A soft “churr”, “chi”, or “tsew” contact call when foraging.
- Alarm call: A loud “pez” or “chak” when spotting a threat.
- Fledgling beg call: Whistled “peoo” notes repeated by young.
Listen to some typical Mountain Bluebird vocalizations:
Purpose of bluebird calls
Based on these examples, we can see that bluebirds do indeed have distinct species-specific calls that serve important functions:
- Defining territories and attracting mates
- Communicating with flock members while foraging
- Signaling alarm at threats
- Allowing parents and offspring to locate each other
These varied vocalizations allow bluebirds to effectively communicate within their social groups and help them survive in their environments.
Using calls to identify bluebirds
The unique calls of each bluebird species can be used to help identify them by birders. For example:
- A flute-like warbling song early in the morning indicates a Western Bluebird.
- High-pitched “phew” contact calls signal an Eastern Bluebird is nearby.
- Loud “pez” alarm calls are a sign of a Mountain Bluebird.
Understanding bluebird vocalizations takes practice, but learning their distinct calls allows easier identification of these beautiful songbirds.
Mimicking bluebird calls
It is possible to mimic or imitate bluebird vocalizations using whistles that reproduce their pitch and frequency. This can be useful to draw them in for birdwatching. However, caution should be used as excessive mimicking could disrupt their normal behavior. Here are some tips for responsible bluebird call mimicking:
- Use short, infrequent call imitations.
- Never use calls to disturb active nests.
- Avoid mimicking near fledglings that may abandon the area.
- Do not use recordings of distress or alarm calls.
With appropriate care, mimicking bluebird calls can generate rewarding sightings without negatively impacting the birds.
Threats to bluebird calls
Bluebird vocalizations are an important part of their natural behavior. However, some threats can disrupt their communication:
- Habitat loss – Reduced habitats with less suitable nesting areas limit ability to define territories.
- Urban noise – Traffic, machinery and other loud noises can drown out calls and songs.
- Pesticides – Chemicals may impact development of young birds’ vocal muscles and ability to call and sing.
- Nest parasites – Cowbirds can mimic bluebird calls to access nests and lay eggs.
Protecting bluebird habitats, reducing noise pollution, limiting pesticide use, and controlling nest parasites can help maintain their unique and diverse vocalizations.
Conclusion
In summary, bluebirds rely on a range of vocalizations to communicate and survive. Each species has its own distinct repertoire of calls, songs, and alarms adapted for functions like attracting mates, signaling threats, and begging for food. Identifying and mimicking these calls can help birders find bluebirds, though caution should be taken to limit disruptions. Maintaining healthy habitats and minimizing anthropogenic disturbances will allow these beautiful songbirds to continue using their voices to thrive.
References
Here are some references used as sources for this article:
- Gowaty, P.A. and Plissner, J.H. (2020). Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (S. M. Billerman and B. K. Keeney, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA.
- Guinan, J.A., Gowaty, P.A. and Eltzroth, E.K. (2020). Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (S. M. Billerman and B. K. Keeney, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA.
- Robertson, B.C., De Kort, S.R. and Guinan, J.A. (2020). Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (S. M. Billerman and B. K. Keeney, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA.
- Ritchison, G. (1999). Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis), version 2.0. In The Birds of North America (P. G. Rodewald, editor). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA.
- Guzy, M.J. and Ritchison, G. (1999). Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas), version 2.0. In The Birds of North America (P. G. Rodewald, editor). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA.