Birds communicate in a variety of ways, using vocalizations, physical displays and behaviors. One notable vocalization is a three note call, which can be heard from several different bird species. Identifying a bird by its call takes practice, but learning some of the common three note bird calls can help birders identify feathered friends hidden in the trees.
What is a three note bird call?
A three note call is exactly what it sounds like – a bird vocalization consisting of three distinct notes in a sequence. The three notes may vary in pitch, volume, speed, and rhythm, creating unique versions for different species. Some three note calls are instantly recognizable, while others may be harder to distinguish.
These three note sequences are often used by birds for territorial displays or mating calls. Singing a unique three note phrase helps attract a mate and lets other birds know that this area is already occupied. Three note bird calls tend to be louder and more prominent than other bird vocalizations because their purpose is to stand out.
What birds make a three note call?
Many common backyard birds produce a version of the three note bird call. Some of the most noteworthy examples include:
Northern Flicker
The Northern Flicker is a type of woodpecker found throughout most of North America. These brown birds drill into trees looking for ants and beetles. Their call is a loud, ringing three note sequence that sounds like “kluck-kluck-kluck.” This is often repeated in a series.
Cactus Wren
The Cactus Wren is most common in the dry, desert regions of the American southwest. It produces a rolling, melodic three note call described as “coeur, coeur, coeur.” This call ascends slightly in pitch.
White-breasted Nuthatch
From mountain conifer forests to neighborhood deciduous trees, the White-breasted Nuthatch is a common sight across much of North America. These little gray birds produce a series of nasal, tin-horn sounding “yank, yank, yank” three note calls.
Eastern Towhee
With black, white and rusty orange plumage, the Eastern Towhee is a striking backyard bird of the eastern US and Canada. Its three note call is a loud, ringing “drink-your-teea! drink-your-teea! drink-your-teea!” The first note is always accented and highest in pitch.
Carolina Wren
The Carolina Wren is a small, warm brown songbird of the eastern and southern US. It belts out a throaty, buzzing “teakettle, teakettle, teakettle” call that ascends in pitch with each note.
Common Loon
Known for its eerie and haunting calls, the Common Loon breeds on lakes and ponds across Canada and the northern US. Its wailing three note yodel goes “oo-ah-haoo, oo-ah-haoo,” with the first two notes sliding up in pitch.
Bird Species | Three Note Call |
---|---|
Northern Flicker | “kluck-kluck-kluck” |
Cactus Wren | “coeur, coeur, coeur” |
White-breasted Nuthatch | “yank, yank, yank” |
Eastern Towhee | “drink-your-teea!” |
Carolina Wren | “teakettle, teakettle, teakettle” |
Common Loon | “oo-ah-haoo, oo-ah-haoo” |
How to identify a three note bird call
Finding the source of a mystery three note call takes sharp ears. Here are some tips to help identify birds by three note vocalizations:
- Note the overall quality of the call. Is it buzzy, ringing, hoarse, nasal, or wailing? This narrows down the possible bird families.
- Listen for the rhythm or spacing between the three notes. Are they evenly-spaced or is there a pause after the first note?
- Pay attention to the pitch – does the call rise, fall, slide or stay steady? Take note of the pitch of the start, middle and end.
- Consider the habitat you are in. What birds are common there that match the sound?
- Use a recording app on your phone to capture the call, so you can replay and study it.
- Look for some visual confirmation of the bird making the call, if possible.
With practice, you will begin to recognize the unique three note signature of the birds in your area. Understanding these territorial bird calls allows us to co-exist with our avian neighbors.
Conclusion
The three note bird call is a distinctive and often loud vocalization used by many bird species. By mastering some of the common three note calls, like the “drink your tea” of the Eastern Towhee or the “kluck-kluck-kluck” of the Northern Flicker, birdwatchers can gradually put names to the bird sounds they hear. Paying close attention to pitch, rhythm, habitat and behavior clues helps identify the avian musician. Learning bird calls opens up a whole new world of interacting with birds hidden in plain sight all around us.