Birding by Ear

There's a lot to look forward to in spring for birders.

The flowers are blooming, old friends are returning,  and birdsong is at its peak. The sheer volume of songs and calls can often feel overwhelming for birders, but these sounds offer an opportunity and a challenge. With our birding-by-ear series you can learn how to better ID birds through their vocalizations. 

Pt. 1: Start Listening for Songs and Calls
Pt. 2: Learn the Most Common Kinds of Sounds
Pt. 3: Connect Noises With Pictures That Stick
Pt. 4: Grow Familiar With Neighborhood Voices
Pt. 5: “Read” Sounds on Spectrograms
Pt. 6: Know If It's a Mimic or the Real Deal
Pt. 7: Learn Different Regional Accents
Pt. 8: Eavesdrop on Nature's Orchestra
A Few of Our Favorite Sounds
Adopt a Bird
American Bittern
Herons, Egrets, Bitterns
! Priority Bird
Varied Thrush
Thrushes
Red-tailed Hawk
Hawks and Eagles
Pied-billed Grebe
Grebes

More Birding Advice

What Valentine's Day Birds Can Tell You About Your Love Life
February 12, 2016 — In ancient times, birds were used to predict the future. Here’s what they could reveal about your soul mate to-be.
Birding
How Do Feathers Keep Birds Warm?
February 10, 2016 — It requires thousands and thousands of feathers and a whole lot of preening.
Podcast
Agami Herons' Full Mating Ritual Photographed for the First Time
January 29, 2016 — A couple's trek to a hidden lagoon in Costa Rica leads to a cache of new details about a glorious, yet understudied bird.
News
How the CBC Can Help Save Birds in Cuba
January 28, 2016 — The century-old citizen science project is just in its fifth year in Cuba.
Christmas Bird Count
A Rare Owl Turned Up Dead—Are Birders To Blame?
January 22, 2016 — A surprise visit from a Northern Hawk Owl ended in tragedy last week. Here's how birders can be sure to protect the species they seek.
Birding