Identifying Bird Calls

The Bird Study Merit Badge has us identifying birds by their song or call. Here are a few for you to practice with. How many of these do you hear or see in your area?

House Sparrow

The House Sparrow is a small, chubby bird with rich brown and gray feathers that can be found all over the world. One of the most characteristic features of this species is their loud and constant chirping, which is a distinctive part of their behavior. House Sparrows are one of the most vocal birds, with a repertoire of calls ranging from soft peeps to loud and boisterous cheeps, tweets, and chirrs. These calls can be heard in just about any suburban or urban setting where they inhabit, and they serve important purposes, including attracting mates, defending their territories, and communicating with one another. In spite of their ubiquity, House Sparrows are known to have declined in population in many parts of their range due to changing agricultural practices and habitat loss.

American Robin

The American Robin is one of the most commonly seen birds in North America. One of the most distinctive features of the American Robin is its bird calls, which can be heard throughout much of the year. The most recognizable call is their "Cheerily, cheer-up, cheer-up, cheerily" song. It is a series of quick, fluty notes that rises and falls in pitch, and is often sung by males during the breeding season to establish territory and attract mates. In addition to this song, the American Robin has a variety of other calls, including a distinct "alarm call" that sounds like a sharp "tut, tut, tut" and is used to alert other robins of nearby predators. Overall, the American Robin's vocalizations are an important part of their behavior and can be easily recognized by birdwatchers and enthusiasts across the continent.

Song Sparrow

The Song Sparrow is a small, brown bird found throughout North America. As its name suggests, the Song Sparrow is known for its beautiful melodies, which can be heard throughout the year. The bird's song is typically a series of short, clear notes, which are often repeated in a pattern. The sparrow's vocalizations can vary widely, with each individual bird having its own unique song. Some experts can even identify individual Song Sparrows by their unique vocalizations. Overall, the Song Sparrow's beautiful songs are a hallmark of the bird's presence and a joy to birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts everywhere.

Northern Cardinal

The Northern Cardinal is a well-known songbird native to North America. One of the most distinctive features of this bird is its loud, clear whistle-like call, which is usually a series of short, sharp notes that sound like "cheer, cheer, cheer!" The male birds are particularly known for their song, and they often belt it out from high perches to establish their territory. The female Northern Cardinal also has a call, which is softer and more subdued than the male's. Overall, the Northern Cardinal's bird call is one of the most recognizable sounds of the American countryside, and it's a joy to hear for anyone who appreciates the beauty of songbirds.

European STARLING

European Starlings, as their name suggests, are a bird species native to Europe that has been introduced to North America. Known for their distinctive and melodious calls, these birds are skilled mimicry artists. They can produce an amazing range of sounds, from whistles to clicks, trills to warbles, and they often imitate the calls of other birds as well as human-made sounds such as car alarms, sirens, and even cell phone ringtones! However, their beautiful singing and striking iridescent feathers have earned them both admirers and detractors. In some places, they are considered an invasive species that competes with native birds for resources and has a negative impact on ecosystems, while in others, they are beloved for their ability to transform urban spaces with their cheerful songs.

Red-Wing Blackbird

The Red Winged Blackbird is a common North American bird with a distinctive call that is easily recognizable. These birds are known for the male's iconic "conk-la-ree" call that sounds like a rusty hinge. The song is both melodic and harsh, with a jarring quality that can carry across marshes, fields, and forests alike. Red Winged Blackbirds are not only known for their unique sound, but for their appearance as well, with the male sporting a bright red patch on its wings. The bird's call is a staple sound in the spring and summer months and serves to announce its presence and territory to both mates and competitors.

American Crow

The American Crow is an intelligent and social bird commonly found across North America. One of the most distinct features of this species is its loud and cawing call, a sound that can be heard from quite a distance. American crows are known to be very vocal, with a variety of different calls used to communicate with their flock. Their calls can range from high-pitched caws used to indicate alarm or aggression, to softer and more melodic coos used for social bonding. Despite being widely disliked by humans due to their loud and sometimes intrusive behavior, these birds play an important role in the ecosystem and have a fascinating language all their own.

Blue Jay

The Blue Jay is a wildly colorful bird with stunning blue and white feathers. It's squawking call is equally as distinct and recognizable. The Blue Jay call is a combination of different sounds including a harsh bugling, throaty chuckling, and a high-pitched jeering. They mainly communicate using these calls with their flock members and offspring, alarming them of predators and calling for food. While other birds may regard their call as noisy and annoying, Blue Jays have a fantastic eloquence that's both charming and captivating.