Calls of Spring: Birding by Ear

When a bird is difficult to see, whether a small, quick-moving Golden-crowned Kinglet or a well-camouflaged Great Horned Owl, knowing its sounds makes the mystery a bit easier to solve. Known as “birding by ear,” this technique also helps those with limited vision enjoy a birding adventure. 

Birds make two types of sounds: calls and songs. Typically, calls are single notes while songs are more complex strings of notes. Check out the calls and songs of a few familiar species, then hit the trails and hear them in action. 

Birder's Tip: Download the Merlin app from Cornell Lab of Ornithology to record and identify bird calls on the go. 

American Woodcock 

In spring at dusk, the American Woodcock, a spring favorite, engages in an elaborate mating dance. Males first call to females with a nasal “peent,” then launch themselves in the air as their wing feathers produce a twittering sound. When they’re not “sky dancing,” look for their large eyes and stocky, round brown bodies foraging for worms on forest floors across the state. 

Where to Bird:  Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, Lincoln

Yellow Warbler 

One of the most widespread warblers in North America, this small, vibrant yellow bird lets out a "sweet sweet sweet sweeter than sweet" song. You're most likely to find them along ponds and streams, though they’re known to call many types of habitat home. 

Where to Bird:   Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Marblehead 
 

Red-winged Blackbird 

Male Red-winged Blackbirds, with their sleek black bodies and bright red wing patches, let out a distinct "kon-ka-ree" song during the spring breeding season, starting in March. While you may spot them in fields and meadows, they are mostly seen in wet areas such as marshes and ponds.  

Where to Bird: 
Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, Natick 
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox 

Learn More About Birds

Now that you've learned these bird calls, it's time to start building out the rest of your avian auditory clues. Keep reading about the different birds—and sounds—found in Massachusetts, or join us for an upcoming program to work with one of our experts on developing your skills. 

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