ONE OF THE JOYS OF SPRING and early summer is the sheer abundance of birdsong filling the outdoors. Every kind of bird adds to the chorus with its own particular sounds—often beautiful, sometimes harsh, but always interesting. It’s possible to enjoy this free concert for its musical quality, but it becomes even more fascinating when we know why the birds make these sounds.
Songs or Calls: What’s the Difference?
Most common backyard birds make a variety of sounds, including songs and calls. For example, the American robin song is a rich, whistled caroling—chirrup, cheerio, cheerup, cheerily—often beginning at dawn or even earlier. Robins also make many different calls, including low clucks and chuckles, sharp cries and thin lisping notes.
Songs are typically longer and more complicated than calls, and may…
