Birds make a variety of sounds and calls to communicate with each other. Different species of birds make different sounds that serve purposes like claiming territory, attracting mates, warning others of danger, and recognizing each other. There are specific words used to describe the various vocalizations of birds.
Bird Vocalizations
Birds have a larynx, known as a syrinx, which allows them to produce sounds and calls. The syrinx contains vibrating tissues called membranes. When air from the lungs passes through the membranes, they vibrate to produce sound. By controlling the passage of air through each side of the syrinx and vibrating one membrane at a time, birds can produce complex songs and a wide range of pitches and tones.
Bird vocalizations are often unique to each species. The structure, frequency, pitch, and rhythm of sounds can help birds identify each other and communicate different messages. Some key terms used to describe bird vocalizations include:
- Song – A complex, melodious vocalization used to claim territory and attract mates.
- Call – A simple vocalization used to communicate a message like warning of danger or claiming territory.
- Chatter – Short, repetitive vocalizations often used socially within a flock.
- Chirp – A short, high-pitched vocalization.
- Squawk – A harsh, loud call.
- Screech – A high-pitched, piercing call.
- Trill – A rapid series of identical notes.
- Warble – A melodious phrase that often rises and falls.
- Whistle – A high-pitched, wavering call.
- Murmur – Low, soft, somewhat rambling vocalizations.
- Chatter – Fast squawking or chirping sounds.
Other words are used to describe the sounds made by specific bird groups. For example:
- Crowing – The loud call of roosters and other members of the pheasant family.
- Cooing – Soft moaning vocalizations of doves and pigeons.
- Gobble – The deep resonant call of turkeys.
- Quack – The characteristic vocalization of ducks.
- Honk – The loud call of geese.
- Sqwauk – The harsh cry of parrots.
Songs and Calls of Common Backyard Birds
Here are some details on the songs and calls of birds commonly found in backyards in North America:
American Robin
- Songs – Males sing complex, melodious warbling songs with strings of clear whistled notes.
- Calls – Sharp alarm calls and softer tut tut tut sounds.
Black-capped Chickadee
- Songs – Chicka-dee-dee with first “dee” note higher pitched.
- Calls – Short whistled fee-bee song, dee dee dee call.
Blue Jay
- Calls – Loud harsh jay jay screams, pump handle calls, gurgling notes, and high-pitched squeaks.
Cardinal
- Songs – Loud whistled phrases typically ending with a trilled note.
- Calls – Sharp chip notes and metallic chinks.
Chickadee
- Songs – Repeated two-note fee-bee song.
- Calls – Chick-a-dee-dee-dee with first “dee” highest pitch.
Crow
- Calls – Loud caw caw caws.
Dove
- Songs – Melodious coos, typically 3 or 4 coos together.
- Calls – Soft mourning sounds.
Finch
- Songs – Fast strings of musical warbled notes, tweets, trills.
- Calls – Short chips, wheezy notes, twitters.
Goldfinch
- Songs – Sweet warbled phrases typically ending on a downslur.
- Calls – Distinctive po-ta-to-chip flight call.
Goose
- Calls – Loud honks.
Grackle
- Songs – Rattles, whistles, chatters, clicks.
- Calls – Harsh squawks.
Mourning Dove
- Songs – Melodious coos of 3 or 4 notes.
- Calls – Soft mournful coos.
Nuthatch
- Songs – Short series of nasal yank-yank calls.
- Calls – Loud squeak sounds.
Sparrow
- Songs – Simple, repeated melodic chirps.
- Calls – Chirps and chips.
Starling
- Songs – Varied melodies of whistles, clicks, and chatter.
- Calls – Harsh squawks, screeches, and rattles.
Warbler
- Songs – High-pitched rapid trills and buzzy phrases.
- Calls – Thin faint chips.
Woodpecker
- Calls – Loud rhythmic hammering on wood and harsh squawks.
Baby Bird Sounds
Young nestling birds make begging calls to let their parents know they are hungry. The sounds are loud and repetitive to get the parent birds’ attention. Some common baby bird begging calls include:
- Chirping – High-pitched, repetitive chip notes.
- Peeping – Soft, drawn-out cries.
- Cheeping – Short, high-pitched cheep cheep sounds.
- Squawking – Loud, harsh screeches.
As baby birds grow, their vocalizations will start to sound more distinct to their species. Parents recognize the unique begging calls of their own chicks.
What Bird Is Making That Sound?
Identifying birds by sound takes practice. It helps to learn the common vocalizations of birds in your area. Here are some tips for identifying backyard birds by ear:
- Note the pattern, pitch, frequency, volume and tone of vocalizations.
- Compare sounds to vocal descriptions in bird guides or online resources.
- Think about what species are common in your area and their characteristic sounds.
- Consider the habitat a bird call is coming from as a clue to possible species.
- Use visual Confirmation when possible to match sounds with a bird species.
Some sounds are easier to learn, like the “caw caw” of crows. But many bird sounds can be confused, like the trills of sparrows and finches. With attentive listening and some practice, you can start identifying common backyard birds by ear.
Mimicry in Bird Sounds
Some birds excel at mimicry and can copy sounds in their environment, including the vocalizations of other bird species. Some species known for mimicry include:
- Mockingbirds
- Lyrebirds
- Starlings
- Mynas
- Parrots
- Crows
- Jays
Mimicry allows these birds to expand their repertoire of sounds, like incorporating other species’ warning calls. It can also play a role in attracting mates. The ability to mimic helps some birds stand out by showing off their vocal skills.
Bird Sounds By Family
Bird vocalizations follow some patterns among species groups and families. Here are some notable sounds that can help identify bird families:
Bird Family | Distinctive Sounds |
---|---|
Crows & Jays | Harsh caws and squawks |
Doves | Melodious coos |
Ducks | Quacks and squeaks |
Finches | Bubbly warbling songs |
Flycatchers | Buzzing sounds |
Geese | Honks |
Hummingbirds | Shrill chip and twitter notes |
Larks | Melodious songs in flight |
Nuthatches | Nasal yank-yank calls |
Owls | Hoots and screeches |
Pheasants | Crowing and cackling |
Pigeons | Coos |
Ravens | Croaks, gurgles and caws |
Swallows | Twitters and squeaks |
Thrushes | Melodious songs |
Woodpeckers | Drumming |
Wrens | Complex songs and chatters |
Paying attention to the overall quality of vocalizations can provide helpful clues as to the family or group a mysterious bird sound may be coming from.
Conclusion
Bird sounds add diverse melodies to our outdoor experience, once you learn to recognize them. Each species has a set of songs, calls and sounds with unique meanings and functions. Familiarizing yourself with the vocabulary that describes bird vocalizations can help you identify different bird sounds and better appreciate the complexity of avian communication.
So next time you are outdoors listening to birds, see if you can pick out some different songs and calls. With practice, matching bird sounds to species can become a fun and rewarding part of your birdwatching skillset.