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

Fowl or Foul: Which of These Wacky Bird Facts Are True?
November 13, 2015 — How well do you know your North American fowl? Find out with this true/false quiz.
Quiz
Which Animals Prey on Hummingbirds?
October 29, 2015 — If a creature can catch them, you can bet it's eating them.
News
How Sentinel Birds Help Neighbors Avoid Predators
October 26, 2015 — Species that live in open habitats often rely on these birds' alarm calls.
Podcast
7 Baby Waterbirds to Make You Squeal
October 23, 2015 — Photographer William Burt zooms in on chicks, and they stare right back.
Photos
Vivaldi's Goldfinch
October 05, 2015 — This common bird once served as an inspiration for beautiful music.
Podcast