Birding by ear
I’m no expert at identifying birds by their calls, but I’m getting better, thanks in part to the plethora of avian information floating around out in cyberspace. The other day, I hopped from website to website, discovering all kinds of fun facts about our feathered friends and their various vocalizations.
For instance, did you know there’s a difference between bird songs and bird calls? Bird songs are typically more complex and carry a clear pattern. Songs are used to defend territory and attract mates; males sing the most, usually during breeding season.
Calls tend to be short and sweet – often just one syllable long. Both sexes use calls; they can be heard in all seasons. There are alarm calls, contact calls, flight calls, and begging calls. Some calls can even have multiple meanings.
Lately, our neighborhood has been awash with bird songs and calls, especially at the break of day. I love listening to the winged warblers as they make a joyful noise! Usually, that is. For the most part, their early morning melodies sound like music to my ears, but some days, I don’t exactly get a peaceful, easy feeling…raucous ruckus is more like it!
It seems it’s every bird for himself, with a shared understanding that the louder, the better. I wondered if there was something special about this manic morning time slot. A quick internet search revealed some interesting information.
According to several sources, the dawn chorus is, indeed, a distinctly unique phenomenon. Singing in the wee, small hours of the morning affords birds some big-time benefits.
Why birds sing in the morning
For one thing, broadcasting big ballads early in the day shows some serious survival skills (Eat your heart out, Bear Grylls).
Dropping temperatures…active predators…going without eating for hours…these fearsome factors pose real threats to our avian amigos.
Birds who make it through the night unscathed and then go on to sing about it demonstrate health and strength. Voicing vitality with vim and vigor helps attract potential new mates and renews bonds with existing mates.
Also working in their favor: the weather. In the morning, less active air currents paired with lower air temperatures may help bird songs carry farther and stay stronger with less resistance. This helps birds to not only advertise their presence to potential mates, but to claim their territory in a much wider swath.
As an early riser, I’m often treated to a cacophonous concert over morning coffee. But how in the world does one pick out individual bird calls and songs in all the overture overlap?!
How to learn bird songs and calls
Patience truly is a virtue. The longer I sit, sip, and soak up the songs, the more the brain fog lifts and the thinking shifts. Dissonance dissolves, tension resolves, and recognition eventually registers.
Cardinal, robin, sparrow, and wren: these frequent fliers refuse to be forgotten. Their familiar melodies migrate and meander my way; we gladly become reacquainted again and again.
Carolina Wren
Plein Air art by Sue Dolamore
But some days, there’s a new kid in town whose tune I can’t quite name. It’s one thing when my subject is in plain sight and singing his song; it’s another when he’s veiled under cover of darkness, cleverly concealed amongst leaves, or flitting mysteriously through trees.
When I can’t spot the crooners who come to call, websites don’t seem to be of much help.
This type of reverse search demands different tactics; another kind of tech tool is in order. To crack these codes, you might try using a birdsong recognition app.
Review of best apps for learning bird songs
Nifty by design, their ingenuity and functionality makes most of these apps a “snap”. For instance, once launched, just aim your phone at the sound of the birdsong and simply tap anywhere on the screen to begin recording.
Next, the apps begin their digital data analysis. After scouring servers and digging deep into databases, they’ll offer up several suggestions, complete with photos and sample recordings.
Your job? To winnow the choices down until you arrive at an answer to your liking. Not a perfect science, but at least you’re moving closer to your target. Most birdsong recognition apps range in price from $2.99 to $19.99 per month.
Apps, websites, Youtube videos – whatever your fancy happens to be – birding by ear takes time, effort, and patience. A discerning ear doesn’t hurt, either.
It’s kind of like learning a foreign language, and one of the top methods for developing linguistic proficiency is total immersion – completely surrounding yourself with the sounds, syllables, customs, and culture of the language…comprende? In birding terms, this pretty much means, “Get outside!”
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Being avid outdoor enthusiasts, my husband and I don’t need too much arm-twisting to get off the couch and out the door.
Now that the weather has turned nice, we’ve found plenty of excuses to lace up our shoes and “hit the open trail”. Over the past few weeks, we’ve enjoyed fishing, hiking, and biking, much of it taking place at the refuge.
Biking on the west dike trail
It’s been great seeing the place fill up again, with both people and wildlife. During our visits to BBNWR, we’ve enjoyed several springtime songbird soliloquies, and, admittedly, we’ve had quite a few stump us.
One bird we’ve been able to identify, however: the cute little Carolina Chickadee.
Carolina Chickadee
Plein Air art by Sue Dolamore
This diminutive darling has a distinctive 4-note song in a fairly high register. When you hear it, you won’t soon forget it. I love it for its simplicity and beauty; sometimes, I’ve even been known to whistle a tune back.
During spring and fall migration, once you hear it, be sure to look in nearby branches, because warblers and other songbirds associate with it.
Tufted titmice, Ruby-crowned kinglets, Brown-headed nuthatches, and Downy woodpeckers are some of the other species that tend to gravitate to the Carolina Chickadees.
More bang for your birding buck!
Downy Woodpecker
photo from All About BIrds
Carolina Chickadees are spunky, energetic, and curious. They’re the smallest Chickadee in North America. If you want to attract them to your neck of the woods, put out sunflower seeds, peanut chips, and suet. They like to take a seed from a feeder then flit away to eat it elsewhere in seclusion.
In winter, their diet is about half plant, half animal. The rest of the year, their diet is roughly 80% – 90% animal – mostly insects and spiders.
Carolina Chickadee
photo by Evangello Gonzalez
They pluck insects from tree bark and foliage, often while hanging upside down. They’ll wedge themselves against a branch and hold their food in their feet so they can peck into it.
If Chickadees spot an aerial predator such as a Cooper’s hawk, they’ll utter a high “seet!”
Cooper’s Hawk
If they happen upon a perched owl, however, they’ll shout “chick-a-dee!” with an increasing number of “dees” depending on the severity of the threat.
Carolina Chickadee
Photo by Martina Nordstrand
My husband and I were treated to serenading (or were they dueling?) chickadees recently –their strikingly sweet songs echoed throughout the refuge.
They seemed to be engaged in their own little “sing-off”, and we were lucky enough to be caught smack dab in the middle of their crossfire.
“Chick One” delivered a flawless performance, then paused, as if to say, “Top that!” The dead airspace was soon swallowed up by an equally lyrical and impressive response by “Chick Two”. Their rollicking repartee provided the perfect backdrop to a bright and sunny springtime morning.
These boisterous little beauties belt out songs so loudly it’s hard to believe what you’re hearing is coming from such tiny little creatures – talk about powerful pipes!
Their tones are crisp and clear; they replicate sequences and patterns without deviation again and again. What a treat to hear them sing.
Craggy Gardens trail
Blue Ridge Mountains
We were treated again to their catchy calls and songs while on vacation recently in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
One evening at dusk, we heard their agitated warning calls – we soon realized a predator was in the vicinity! The soft and low “hoot” from a nearby owl was quickly answered with several excited “chick-a-dee-dee-dees!”
The churned-up chickadees progressively made their way to higher and safer ground, chattering and chiding all the way, while the owl remained at lower elevation, unfazed by all the commotion.
Barred Owl
While I’ve still got much more to learn in the way of identifying birds by their songs and calls, I’m starting to show signs of improvement in my birding by ear abilities, thanks to all of the cool tools, tips, and information out there.
It’s been fun sharing what I’ve learned with others, and learning from them, as well.
Just like any newly acquired skill, practice makes progress; you’ve got to “get out there” and regularly put your knowledge to the test in order for it to fully develop…use it or lose it!
For me, that’s as good an excuse as any for getting back outside and enjoying the Great Outdoors!
Until next time,
“See you down at the refuge!”
The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Society depends on donations to fund programs and projects that directly support the Refuge. To make a donation click here .
The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Society is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization whose purpose is to promote and support Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (BBNWR) in its mission to conserve, protect, and enhance natural resources; through advocacy, outreach, education, fund raising, and projects for the betterment of BBNWR. For more information regarding how to become involved, click here.
Birding by Ear by Laura McMahon
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Posted: April 20, 2021 by Back Bay NWR Society
Birding by ear
I’m no expert at identifying birds by their calls, but I’m getting better, thanks in part to the plethora of avian information floating around out in cyberspace. The other day, I hopped from website to website, discovering all kinds of fun facts about our feathered friends and their various vocalizations.
For instance, did you know there’s a difference between bird songs and bird calls? Bird songs are typically more complex and carry a clear pattern. Songs are used to defend territory and attract mates; males sing the most, usually during breeding season.
Calls tend to be short and sweet – often just one syllable long. Both sexes use calls; they can be heard in all seasons. There are alarm calls, contact calls, flight calls, and begging calls. Some calls can even have multiple meanings.
Lately, our neighborhood has been awash with bird songs and calls, especially at the break of day. I love listening to the winged warblers as they make a joyful noise! Usually, that is. For the most part, their early morning melodies sound like music to my ears, but some days, I don’t exactly get a peaceful, easy feeling…raucous ruckus is more like it!
It seems it’s every bird for himself, with a shared understanding that the louder, the better. I wondered if there was something special about this manic morning time slot. A quick internet search revealed some interesting information.
According to several sources, the dawn chorus is, indeed, a distinctly unique phenomenon. Singing in the wee, small hours of the morning affords birds some big-time benefits.
Why birds sing in the morning
For one thing, broadcasting big ballads early in the day shows some serious survival skills (Eat your heart out, Bear Grylls).
Dropping temperatures…active predators…going without eating for hours…these fearsome factors pose real threats to our avian amigos.
Birds who make it through the night unscathed and then go on to sing about it demonstrate health and strength. Voicing vitality with vim and vigor helps attract potential new mates and renews bonds with existing mates.
Also working in their favor: the weather. In the morning, less active air currents paired with lower air temperatures may help bird songs carry farther and stay stronger with less resistance. This helps birds to not only advertise their presence to potential mates, but to claim their territory in a much wider swath.
As an early riser, I’m often treated to a cacophonous concert over morning coffee. But how in the world does one pick out individual bird calls and songs in all the overture overlap?!
How to learn bird songs and calls
Patience truly is a virtue. The longer I sit, sip, and soak up the songs, the more the brain fog lifts and the thinking shifts. Dissonance dissolves, tension resolves, and recognition eventually registers.
Cardinal, robin, sparrow, and wren: these frequent fliers refuse to be forgotten. Their familiar melodies migrate and meander my way; we gladly become reacquainted again and again.
Carolina Wren
Plein Air art by Sue Dolamore
But some days, there’s a new kid in town whose tune I can’t quite name. It’s one thing when my subject is in plain sight and singing his song; it’s another when he’s veiled under cover of darkness, cleverly concealed amongst leaves, or flitting mysteriously through trees.
When I can’t spot the crooners who come to call, websites don’t seem to be of much help.
This type of reverse search demands different tactics; another kind of tech tool is in order. To crack these codes, you might try using a birdsong recognition app.
Review of best apps for learning bird songs
Nifty by design, their ingenuity and functionality makes most of these apps a “snap”. For instance, once launched, just aim your phone at the sound of the birdsong and simply tap anywhere on the screen to begin recording.
Next, the apps begin their digital data analysis. After scouring servers and digging deep into databases, they’ll offer up several suggestions, complete with photos and sample recordings.
Your job? To winnow the choices down until you arrive at an answer to your liking. Not a perfect science, but at least you’re moving closer to your target. Most birdsong recognition apps range in price from $2.99 to $19.99 per month.
Apps, websites, Youtube videos – whatever your fancy happens to be – birding by ear takes time, effort, and patience. A discerning ear doesn’t hurt, either.
It’s kind of like learning a foreign language, and one of the top methods for developing linguistic proficiency is total immersion – completely surrounding yourself with the sounds, syllables, customs, and culture of the language…comprende? In birding terms, this pretty much means, “Get outside!”
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Being avid outdoor enthusiasts, my husband and I don’t need too much arm-twisting to get off the couch and out the door.
Now that the weather has turned nice, we’ve found plenty of excuses to lace up our shoes and “hit the open trail”. Over the past few weeks, we’ve enjoyed fishing, hiking, and biking, much of it taking place at the refuge.
Biking on the west dike trail
It’s been great seeing the place fill up again, with both people and wildlife. During our visits to BBNWR, we’ve enjoyed several springtime songbird soliloquies, and, admittedly, we’ve had quite a few stump us.
One bird we’ve been able to identify, however: the cute little Carolina Chickadee.
Carolina Chickadee
Plein Air art by Sue Dolamore
This diminutive darling has a distinctive 4-note song in a fairly high register. When you hear it, you won’t soon forget it. I love it for its simplicity and beauty; sometimes, I’ve even been known to whistle a tune back.
During spring and fall migration, once you hear it, be sure to look in nearby branches, because warblers and other songbirds associate with it.
Tufted titmice, Ruby-crowned kinglets, Brown-headed nuthatches, and Downy woodpeckers are some of the other species that tend to gravitate to the Carolina Chickadees.
More bang for your birding buck!
Downy Woodpecker
photo from All About BIrds
Carolina Chickadees are spunky, energetic, and curious. They’re the smallest Chickadee in North America. If you want to attract them to your neck of the woods, put out sunflower seeds, peanut chips, and suet. They like to take a seed from a feeder then flit away to eat it elsewhere in seclusion.
In winter, their diet is about half plant, half animal. The rest of the year, their diet is roughly 80% – 90% animal – mostly insects and spiders.
Carolina Chickadee
photo by Evangello Gonzalez
They pluck insects from tree bark and foliage, often while hanging upside down. They’ll wedge themselves against a branch and hold their food in their feet so they can peck into it.
If Chickadees spot an aerial predator such as a Cooper’s hawk, they’ll utter a high “seet!”
Cooper’s Hawk
If they happen upon a perched owl, however, they’ll shout “chick-a-dee!” with an increasing number of “dees” depending on the severity of the threat.
Carolina Chickadee
Photo by Martina Nordstrand
My husband and I were treated to serenading (or were they dueling?) chickadees recently –their strikingly sweet songs echoed throughout the refuge.
They seemed to be engaged in their own little “sing-off”, and we were lucky enough to be caught smack dab in the middle of their crossfire.
“Chick One” delivered a flawless performance, then paused, as if to say, “Top that!” The dead airspace was soon swallowed up by an equally lyrical and impressive response by “Chick Two”. Their rollicking repartee provided the perfect backdrop to a bright and sunny springtime morning.
These boisterous little beauties belt out songs so loudly it’s hard to believe what you’re hearing is coming from such tiny little creatures – talk about powerful pipes!
Their tones are crisp and clear; they replicate sequences and patterns without deviation again and again. What a treat to hear them sing.
Craggy Gardens trail
Blue Ridge Mountains
We were treated again to their catchy calls and songs while on vacation recently in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
One evening at dusk, we heard their agitated warning calls – we soon realized a predator was in the vicinity! The soft and low “hoot” from a nearby owl was quickly answered with several excited “chick-a-dee-dee-dees!”
The churned-up chickadees progressively made their way to higher and safer ground, chattering and chiding all the way, while the owl remained at lower elevation, unfazed by all the commotion.
Barred Owl
While I’ve still got much more to learn in the way of identifying birds by their songs and calls, I’m starting to show signs of improvement in my birding by ear abilities, thanks to all of the cool tools, tips, and information out there.
It’s been fun sharing what I’ve learned with others, and learning from them, as well.
Just like any newly acquired skill, practice makes progress; you’ve got to “get out there” and regularly put your knowledge to the test in order for it to fully develop…use it or lose it!
For me, that’s as good an excuse as any for getting back outside and enjoying the Great Outdoors!
Until next time,
“See you down at the refuge!”
The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Society depends on donations to fund programs and projects that directly support the Refuge. To make a donation click here .
The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Society is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization whose purpose is to promote and support Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (BBNWR) in its mission to conserve, protect, and enhance natural resources; through advocacy, outreach, education, fund raising, and projects for the betterment of BBNWR. For more information regarding how to become involved, click here.
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