How to Recognize Bird Calls

Bird calls are highly variable, even among members of the same species. The same bird can also make different calls, depending on the time of day or year. The primary challenge in recognizing bird calls is identifying the defining characteristics of each species.

• Learn the general sounds that each type of bird makes. Identify each bird by sight when it is singing so that you can associate the call with the species. This association will allow you identify specific bird calls later.


• Identify a constant tone. Some species of birds use the same tone, even when the pattern of noises is highly variable. The American Cardinal is a good example of this type of bird.


• Study the calls of birds that are common to your area. Repetition is essential for learning bird calls, so your study time will be more productive when you can hear the same calls continuously.


• Schedule your study session for sunrise. Birds generally make the most noise during this period. Listening to bird calls at sunrise will also allow you to hear each species as it becomes active.


• Use mnemonics to help you remember the number and pattern of syllables in a bird call. For example, a bob white has a distinctive call that sounds like "bob white, bob white."


• Study recordings of bird calls. This will allow you to conclusively associate a bird call with a particular species. Bird call recordings are readily available at the library, bookstores and websites. These recordings are typically accompanied by narratives providing information on each bird call.