Month: June 2024

Nesting Behavior of Baltimore Orioles in the USA

Post author By Alexandra Goodman
Post date June 28, 2024
No Comments on Nesting Behavior of Baltimore Orioles in the USA

Baltimore Oriole Perched — Image by Steve Jones via Flickr.

The Baltimore Oriole is a highly loved and easily recognized bird. It spends most of its year in the Northeast U.S. and migrates south to Central and South America for winter.

While its preferred habitat is deciduous woodlands, the Baltimore Oriole also frequents parks and backyards. Adult males have bright orange undersides and shoulders with black wings and beaks, while females and juveniles are yellow, orange, dark gray, or brown. The Oriole is a rather tall bird, standing at six to eight inches with a wingspan of nine to twelve inches. It feeds on fruit, nectar, and insects with its long and sharp beak.

The Oriole’s Nest: A Wonder of Nature

The nest of the Baltimore Oriole is indeed unique. The nest hangs from the edge of a branch, safer from predators the further it is from the tree trunk. It appears barely attached to the tree yet proves strong and durable and can even withstand heavy storms. The nest is large, purse-shaped, and made from an intricate weaving process.

Baltimore Oriole Nesting Behavior

The nest building techniques of the Baltimore oriole are unique and inspire awe in birdwatchers and enthusiasts across the Northeastern and Midwestern United States.

Courtship

Before nest building comes courtship. The male arrives from migration two to three days before the female to claim his territory. After he chooses his region, he sings nonstop while flashing his bright plumage and hopping from branch to branch until a mate selects him. They sing a duet to tie the knot.

Nest Location

Once paired, the female chooses the nesting location within the male’s territory. She opts for tall, deciduous trees in open woodland or on the forest edge, typically ten to thirty feet above ground but possibly as high as ninety feet. The tree selected is often an elm, cottonwood, or maple tree.

Structure Construction

Baltimore Oriole with Nesting Material — Image by Arvo Poolar via Flickr.

Once the location is decided, the Baltimore oriole female gets to work. The male brings her materials from time to time, but most of the work is hers to do alone. She uses strong materials such as animal hair or human-made fibers when creating the nest’s rim, flexible materials for weaving the structure including grapevine, grass, and twine, and sometimes spider silk as a binding agent.

Her building process begins by tying a loop around a twig, which secures the rim of the nest. She then carefully weaves the nest’s structure to this rim- her weaving work done while suspended upside down from the rim of the nest- an impressive feat!

Finishing Touches

Once the structure is complete, it is time to line the inside of the nest to protect the eggs and make it comfortable for the babies. She lines the nest with feathers, fur, and soft plant materials. Finally, she camouflages the nest using gray and white lichen to trick predators and protect her young.

The nest building process lasts roughly one week with the female working day in and day out. The nest is only used for one breeding season, however, the female is likely to return to the nest site to pluck materials for next year’s nest.

Post-Construction

Post-construction, the female lays a clutch of three to six eggs. She incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby, keeping a close watch until the eggs hatch after eleven to fourteen days. While the babies remain in the nest, both mom and dad feed intensively, typically feeding regurgitated insects. Mom sleeps in the nest protecting her babies, while dad roosts nearby in the treetop.

Baltimore Oriole Nest Building Facts

Oriole Chicks in Nest — Image by Bonnie Ott via Flickr.

If you’re anything like us, you’re intrigued by the spectacular nest building skills of the Baltimore Oriole and want to know more! Here are some Baltimore Oriole Nesting facts.

Baltimore Orioles build small nests, typically ranging from four to six inches wide, four to eight inches deep, and two to three inches across.
They breed in the Northeast and Midwest of the United States, with some pairs going as far north as Canada.
While these birds don’t like to build nests deep in the brush, they are unlikely to build in your backyard. However, they happily spend time at your backyard feeder!
Baltimore Orioles nest in the spring, with the peak breeding period being in May. This is delayed if the weather is not accommodating.
The nest holds three to five eggs. Once hatched, the babies live in the nest for twelve to fourteen days.
The Baltimore Oriole’s nest is considered one of the great wonders of the avian world.
The Oriole couple spends the breeding season together, however they do not mate for life and the female will find a new male the following year.
Orioles, particular about their nests, will not use birdhouses.
These birds nest in Elm trees, even though they are susceptible to Dutch elm disease.
The pair will only brood one egg clutch before returning south for the winter, even if the first brood fails.

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Social Social & News

Keeping Up With the Kestrels: Goodbye Fledglings

Post author By India Thomas
Post date June 24, 2024
2 Comments on Keeping Up With the Kestrels: Goodbye Fledglings

Time flies when you’re having fun, and it seems our kestrel chicks took that literally! Over the past two months, our action-packed live stream of the Blackpool kestrel nest has captivated viewers, as we watched five tiny fluffballs transform into majestic fledglings ready to conquer the world.

These Kestrel Chicks Don't Go Hungry — Image by Nest Box Live.

From Fluff to Flight: The Journey of Kestrel Fledglings

It’s hard to believe it’s been almost four weeks since our last update, when the chicks were newly hatched and adorably scruffy. Fast forward, and those little balls of fluff have taken their first flights out of the nest. Yes, folks, it’s bittersweet—time flies and so do our kestrels!

For those just tuning in, our cameras have been live-streaming this kestrel nest in Blackpool for four years. This year we have been following the journey of this family closely and keeping you updated through blog posts and updates.

Looking to relive the remarkable journey of these kestrel fledglings or seeking a dose of uplifting wildlife news? Let’s rewind to the beginning in this article and revisit the highlights from the past few weeks at the nest.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Our tale begins on April 16th when the female kestrel laid her clutch of five eggs. Less than a month later, we witnessed the hatching of all five, marking the beautiful beginnings of kestrel chick life.

Viewers couldn’t get enough of the five fluffballs as they seemed to grow before our very eyes! In our last update, when the chicks were just a week old, we marveled at the diligent kestrel dad bringing in prey to the nest—primarily voles and mice, with the occasional mole. Mama kestrel expertly dished these out into small chunks for the hungry chicks.

Kestrel Mum Feeds Her Chicks — Image by Nest Box Live.

Growing Pains and Gains

Week two commenced and mom took a more laid-back approach, spending less time in the nest but still showing up for meal times, ensuring everyone got their fair share. The chicks weren’t old enough to feed themselves, but they were growing rapidly.

Week three brought more exciting developments as the nestlings started growing their first primary and tail feathers. Chick yoga became a thing, with the little ones regularly stretching and flapping their wings to strengthen those new feathers. With mom and dad acting like Uber Eats drivers, the nest was often overflowing with food, and the chicks were never hungry. At times, multiple meals were piling up in the nest because the chicks were too full to eat them all.

Kestrel Chicks Doing Yoga To Stretch Their Wings — Image by Nest Box Live.

As the chicks grew, so did their appetites and their independence. Mum kestrel was no longer hanging around to share out the food. So how did the chicks decide who gets to eat?

Unlike some other birds of prey, kestrel chicks are remarkably civil, sharing food with minimal squabbles. It’s a first-come, first-served scenario, and despite occasional attempts to snatch a sibling’s meal, violence is rare in a kestrel nest. Kestrels even continue to roost together after fledging, showing their sibling bonds run deep.

Preparing For Flight

Week four came around. It seemed that the nest box was getting smaller and smaller, as our five now large chicks were outgrowing their nest box home. Kestrel fledglings leave the nest after around four weeks and as the chicks neared fledging age, they gave us some memorable moments. Who knew watching a chick swallow an entire vole could be so entertaining?

Kestrel Chicks Get Ready To Fledge — Image by Nest Box Live.

It’s fascinating to see them work on fitting the whole prey item in, bones and all. Speaking of which, kestrels, like most birds of prey, eat their prey whole and regurgitate indigestible parts as pellets. These pellets, often mistaken by viewers as droppings, scatter across the bottom of the nest. Don’t worry, folks—it’s not what it looks like! The kestrel chicks do their best to aim their waste away from their cozy home.

As the chicks neared fledging age, they needed not only to be physically ready but mentally prepared too. Like us when we face new challenges, they had to build up the courage for their first flight. They practiced by balancing on the edge of the nest box and flapping their wings, building confidence for their first flights into the unknown.

Kestrel Fledging Feats

When it came to fledging, the first chick quietly left in the dark hours of night when our cameras weren’t running. The others weren’t far behind and left, thankfully whilst cameras were rolling, over the following few days. By June 20th, all five had made their brave leaps into the world. Experience their momentous fledging journey captured here.

What Now?

So, what happens next for our kestrel fledglings? Luckily, they won’t have to fend for themselves just yet. Common kestrel parents continue to feed their young for up to a month after fledging, giving the chicks time to learn how to hunt and fend for themselves. They’ll stick around the nearby area, often roosting together and perfecting their hunting skills.

Reflecting on the Kestrel Nest

Watching another successful breeding season on this kestrel nest has been a joy. It’s not just a delightful spectacle for viewers but a positive sign for kestrel conservation. Common kestrels are ‘amber listed’ in the UK due to population declines since the 1970s, largely related to the availability of nesting habitats. Artificial nest sites like this one play a crucial role in their conservation.

How You Play a Role in Bird Conservation

But it’s not just about the nest boxes for kestrels; you, the viewers, play a vital role in bird conservation more broadly. By tuning into our live streams and educating yourselves about bird behavior and ecology, you become advocates for all our feathered friends. Knowledge is power, and your awareness can lead to action.

Spreading Awareness: Share what you’ve learned with friends and family. The more people know about the challenges birds face, the more support there will be for conservation efforts.
Supporting Conservation Efforts: Consider supporting local and national wildlife organizations that work to protect birds and their habitats. Your donations and volunteer efforts can make a significant difference.
Creating Bird-Friendly Environments: If you have the space and resources, installing bird boxes, like the Nest Box Live bird house, in your area can provide critical breeding sites for various bird species. Additionally, maintaining natural habitats, planting native vegetation, and reducing pesticide use can ensure a healthy environment for birds to thrive.

Tags kestrels-2024

Feathered Facts Garden & Outdoors

Why Your Yard Needs A Bird Bath

Post author By Jack Emery
Post date June 21, 2024
2 Comments on Why Your Yard Needs A Bird Bath

“Jump in the shower and the blood starts pumpin’”.

Ah, Dolly. An icon.

But really, there’s no better way than to start or end your day with a good shower (or bath).

They can either get you ready for the day ahead or bring you back down into a state of cleanse after a hard day at the office.

But, as it turns out, humans aren’t the only ones who feel this way.

Birds also relish a good splish splosh.

A Bathing Bird — Image by Ian Duffield via Flickr.

By adding a bird bath to your yard, you can enable a constant and stable water source for any bird to wash and drink.

And, to top things off, adding a bird bath is one of the single most effective ways of increasing bird diversity into your yard.

Read on to discover why you should add a bird bath into your yard.

Importance of Bird Baths

Like most animals, birds need water to survive.

Birds need water for drinking and bathing.

In the winter months, when natural water sources may become frozen, and in the summer months, when droughts ravage certain regions, a regularly maintained bird bath may be the difference between life and death.

Water for Drinking

Unlike mammals, birds lack sweat glands, meaning they cannot sweat.

So, to cool down, many bird species display gular fluttering. Think of this behavior like the avian equivalent of a dog panting.

However, this means birds lose water through respiration, and will need to be replenished.

Small birds, or those you’re likely to encounter in your yard, lose water at a higher rate than larger birds. These species, such as robins and chickadees, may drink multiple times throughout the day.

Different species of birds drink water in slightly different ways.

Many small bird species drink from the shallow edges of ponds and streams. Of course, these natural formations aren’t always present. So, for garden birds, bird baths provide the perfect opportunity to replenish lost water year-round.

Water for Bathing

Hummingbird Bathing — Image by Wesley Barr via Flickr.

Sure, drinking water is vital to stay alive.

But there’s another, equally important, function that birds use water for: bathing.

There are multiple benefits to bathing.

First up, many garden bird species are social. By gathering in groups in a centralized location, such as a bird bath, information exchange can take place.

In summer months, when temperatures are likely to soar, bird baths offer a vital respite from the scorching sun, and allow birds to cool off.

However, the main benefit of bathing is for health purposes and their overall survival.

To many bird species, the ability to fly is a way to escape predators. If their feathers are dirty, or full of parasites, this could lead to infection and disease, which may increase the likelihood a bird may fall victim to predation.

So, to ensure their feathers are in optimal condition, birds will frequent bird baths to keep their feathers cleaned and in pristine condition.

By ruffling their feathers whilst bathing, any dirt, parasites and general nastiness is washed away.

Being clean encourages a bird to groom or, in fancy scientific terms, preen.

After their feathers are washed and cleaned, birds spread a waterproofing oil over their plumage via a preening gland. This is particularly important during cold weather, where any wet and waterlogged feathers are at risk of becoming frozen solid.

Making a Bird Bath

A bird bath does not have to be an expensive addition to your backyard.

In fact, with a little tender love and care, you can make your very own bird bath from everyday items.

First up, you need a shallow basin that retains water. Nothing fancy here, a simple trash can lid, plant tray, or even an old bowl. This is a great way to put your upcycling skills to the test.

A Trashcan Lid Bird Bath — Image by nickinthegarden via Flickr.

Next, you’ll want to find a suitable place in your garden to secure the bird bath.

You’ll want to aim for a flat and open piece of land. Not only will a flat area keep the bird bath stable and prevent toppling, it’ll also decrease the likelihood of any predators sneaking up on unsuspecting birds.

Where possible, try and elevate the bird bath off the ground – even if it’s just a couple of inches or so. To do this, place bricks or logs (or any other similar substrate) under your basin.

Now, all that’s left to do is fill your new bird bath with water and watch the action unfold.

Be reserved with the quantity of water you add – you only need about an inch of water.

If possible, add a few stones or logs into the basin itself. This gives the opportunity for a range of birds to perch in-between bathing.

Birds will be cleaning daily, so you’ll want to make sure you clean the water in the bird bath regularly to avoid the buildup of potentially harmful bacteria and algae.

Should I Add a Bird Bath to My Yard?

As we’ve just discovered, bird baths are incredibly important for the survival of birds themselves.

However, thinking more selfishly, bird baths are a great addition in your yard for a variety of reasons.

1. Higher Biodiversity

Firstly, you will find that you can attract more birds to your yard with a bird bath, compared to just feeders alone.

And this makes sense, if you think about it.

Birds are specialized feeders. Some are adapted to eating seeds. Others go for fruit and nectar. Some birds eat insects.

It is unlikely you’ll find a feeder that will attract all bird species.

A bird bath, however, is universal. Nearly all birds require water daily, and will be more inclined to visit your garden if a bird bath is present.

With a higher diversity of birds, you and your family can enjoy hours of endless (and free) entertainment.

2. Pest Removal

With an increased diversity of birds in your yard, you now have more hungry mouths to feed.

Thankfully, an array of backyard species, such as bluebirds, sparrows, swallows and pheobes gorge on insects.

In the summer months, these birds will feast on large quantities of mosquitoes and other pest insects that may cause harm to us humans.

So, by providing a bird bath in your yard, you’re saving yourself money in pest removal. Win win.

Final Thoughts

Two Birds Perched In Water — Image by John N Hoang via Flickr.

Bird baths don’t have to be expensive and complicated garden structures.

With the right materials, you can create your very own for a fraction of the price – unleash your creativity.

Not only is the setup relatively easy, the benefits of having a bird bath are a great addition for any yard.

Not only will you be helping bird populations survive environmentally challenging months, such as freezing winters and scorching summers, you’ll also be increasing the biodiversity in your garden, as well as ridding yourself of any unwanted pests in the process.

Afterall, you can attract more bird species with water, than you can with a bog-standard bird feeder.

Bird Behaviors Bird Guides

Feisty House Sparrows: Why Are They So Aggressive?

Post author By Rhianna Quanstrom
Post date June 17, 2024
2 Comments on Feisty House Sparrows: Why Are They So Aggressive?

House sparrows are one of the easiest birds to locate and identify. From grocery parking lots to city parks to rural farms, house sparrows have taken up residence and thrive near human establishments.

Interestingly enough, the house sparrow is a bird we love to hate (at least here in the United States). In the birding world, mention of house sparrows often brings up disdain and even anger. What about these little birds causes such an uproar, and is it justified?

Perhaps it has to do with their invasiveness coupled with their aggressive behavior. On the other hand, humans tend to glorify what is rare and disregard what is common. No matter your stance, it’s important to understand house sparrow behavior, including their aggression and ecological impacts.

House Sparrow Overview

The house sparrow (Passer domesticus), also known as the English sparrow, is one of the most common birds in the world. They are distributed across most of North America, except northern Canada and Alaska. They are native to northern Africa and Eurasia and were introduced to North America in the 1850s.

It isn’t an exaggeration to say that everyone in the United States (and much of the world) has seen a English sparrow, whether they knew the species by name or not. Male English sparrows are easier to distinguish than the females due to their black bib, grey head, and chestnut nape. The females are light grey-brown with indistinct markings on their head and back.

A House Sparrow Perching — Image by nickinthegarden via Flickr.

English sparrows stay close to humans and have come to depend on human influences for survival. Their common name, house sparrow, describes this relationship as they readily nest in man-made structures. This species, classified as an Old World Sparrow, has lived near humans and fed on our grains for thousands of years. As our ancestors moved, so did the house sparrow. When we settled in an area, they did too.

Because of their close association with civilization, house sparrows avoid uninhabited areas, such as forests, grasslands, wilderness areas, and deserts.

Invasive Status

English sparrows were purposely introduced to the United States as a natural pest control. While they rely on insects and larvae to feed their young, the English sparrow’s diet consists mostly of grains and weed seeds.

There also seemed to be nostalgic homesickness among the settlers that further enticed the introduction of the house sparrow. In England and other parts of Europe, this bird was (and is) a familiar sight, especially in city areas. Whereas, in the United States, the newly structured cities lacked the presence of the once-loved English sparrow. In the beginning, they were a welcome sight to the settlers.

However, house sparrows spread rapidly and established themselves in farms and cities across North America. They are considered agricultural pests as they feed on ripening seed heads in grain fields and eat large quantities of farm animal grain.

An English Sparrow in a Wheat Field — Image by Andrew Harper via Flickr.

To add insult to injury, English sparrows fiercely defend nest sites. They aggressively push or remove native species from the area.

They also compete with native bird species for trophic resources, as they form large flocks that can dominate an area.

Due to their invasive status, English sparrows can be legally euthanized in the United States. European starlings also share this exception.

House Sparrow Aggression

House sparrows take the concept of “only the strongest survive” to an uncomfortable and harsh reality. Their brutal survival tactics make them highly unpopular among birders in the United States.

Both male and female English sparrows aggressively defend nest sites. If another bird species nests nearby, they will enter the nest and peck the eggs or kill the young. If an adult bird stays in the nest to defend their young, the house sparrow will also kill the adult by pecking them to death.

English sparrows prefer to nest in cavities made by other birds, but will also nest in birdhouses and crevices in man-made structures. As such, they compete with other cavity nesters in rural and urban areas, such as eastern bluebirds, tree swallows, chickadees, and purple martins. These are the native bird species most affected by house sparrows.

The aggressive tactics of English sparrows have contributed to the decline of eastern bluebirds. However, they should not be entirely blamed for the decrease in eastern bluebirds. Agriculture, city development, and deforestation have also played a major role in displacing native bird species.

Why Are They So Aggressive?

A Flock of English Sparrow — Image by Mark Palmer via Flickr.

The aggressive behavior of English sparrows influences flock dynamics. They have a pecking order similar to chickens, and skirmishes often break out to establish dominance and rank.

Interestingly, intersex aggression is rare, and displays of dominance are usually only between the same sex (male to male and female to female). While it isn’t common, it is not unusual for a female English sparrow to claim another sparrow’s nest and even kill her young.

Because of these intense interactions, a male English sparrow will spend about 60% of their time perched near their nesting site to defend their territory. It appears that the male sparrows are more bonded to their nesting site than their mate. Even if their nests are removed in an attempt to dissuade the house sparrows, the male house sparrow will quickly rebuild.

House Sparrow Nesting Problems

Check out this house sparrow control page if you’re having issues with house sparrows nesting in your bird boxes. You’ll find information about the next box hole size, as well as passive and active house sparrow control methods.

Should We Hate House/English Sparrows?

A Group of House Sparrows — Image by Helen Davies via Flickr.

It’s easy to understand why birders have such a disdain for English sparrows. This is especially true for those who have witnessed English sparrows kill native birds in their bird boxes.

Here in the United States, most informational resources will guide you on how to “control” house sparrow populations and why they are such a “nuisance bird.” Interestingly, in other parts of the world, house sparrows are well-loved.

Globally, English sparrow populations are declining. This has led to the creation of ‘World Sparrow Day’ to celebrate and protect house sparrows.

It is up to you how you feel about English sparrows. I choose to see them as an opportunistic and adaptable species with harsh survival tactics. I do not think this makes them a “bad” bird, but simply one that challenges our human morality, as it should. It is also interesting to consider the response of other countries whose house sparrow populations are declining and how that may influence our American understanding of this “civilized” bird.

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Bird Guides Guides

How To Identify Birds by Their Songs

Post author By Mattea Pauc
Post date June 14, 2024
No Comments on How To Identify Birds by Their Songs

A Luzuli Bunting Singing — Image by Eric Zhou via Flickr.

It’s always a treat to have birds in your back yard. But, it’s even better if you’re able to identify birds by their songs.

All around the world, people are able to hear birdsong throughout the day. Waking up to the morning chorus or hearing them on your commute to work, birds are always communicating around us. But, are you able to identify a bird by it’s song? And, how can you improve your bird identification?

Identifying birds by their song can be quite a daunting task. Especially when they are tucked up in trees on the tallest branches. But, by understanding why and how bird songs and calls are used we can start to identify them. This article will provide helpful tips, tricks and resources to help you identify bird species in your back yard.

Follow These Steps to Identify Birds by Their Songs

Birdsong is a hugely diverse symphony of contact calls, alarm calls and mating rituals. These are all sounds that we can separate and listen out for. Around the world, birds usually make two types of noise. Either they produce contact calls or songs. Contact calls, or alarm calls, are short, sharp and usually quite complex noises to tell apart.

Songs are more easily told apart as birds sing to attract mates or hold down their territory. Opposite species also identify any threat involved with particular calls. Similarily, you can learn different species songs using the following steps:

1. Use Your Eyes

A Hummingbird Singing — Image by Pedro Lastra via Flickr.

To identify birds by their songs, the best place to start is to know what birds could be in your backyard. With a little patience and practice identifying backyard birds by their songs will be easy in no time.

One of the best ways to learn is to use your eyes to help your ears. By learning what the bird looks like and connecting it with a song or call, your identification ability will improve quickly.

2. Learn From Others

By familiarising yourself with backyard bird species you can spend time listening out for various songs. A great way to start is to join a naturalists or a local birding group.

A good birding field guide in hand is also very useful such as the Sibley Guide for Birds that are specific to the united States. The Kaufman Guide for birds is particularly good for beginner birders.

3. Use Technology

In this day and age, there are plenty of apps specifically designed to help you identify birds by their songs. Merlin, by the Cornell Lab, is a very popular app that records bird song in your area. It also provides common songs and calls of each species to help you repeat and learn over time. This is a quick way of identifying a birds song and remembering the species symphony in your state.

4. Mnemonics

It is also important to learn different tones and notes that birds produce. Instead of memorizing every song as best you can, become aware of the different rhythms and repetitions involved in each song. By using recorded bird songs you can gradually better identify the flutelike or scratchy tones or the changing pitches of differing species.

A Dickcissel Bird Singing — Image by Larry Reis via Flickr.

Identify the Common Backyard Birds of the US:

American Robin:

Song: common through North America, this little orange-busted bird will sing loud and proud on your lawn or cherry tree year round. Listen out for a number of high pitched, drawn out notes which quickly descend in pitch and increase in speed. Their song is a territorial declaration to your backyard and one you should standout from the rest.

Call: they often sound like they’re laughing or chuckling sounding like a ‘tuk’ or ‘cuck’ whilst communicating with eachother.

Mourning Dove:

Song: commonly mistaken for a species of owl, doves have quite a melancholy coo that repeats over time. The song, or otherwise known as a ‘perch-coo’ starts with a soft coo-oo followed by a few louder coo’s. their song is distinctive as the middle syllable is much louder and longer.

Call: a nest call will often be heard as a ‘cooOOoo’ while nest building is occurring. A loud whistle can also be heard to warn others of predators or imminent danger.

Nuthatch:

Song: predominantly sung by males, nuthatches have a very identifiable and rapid song made up of low-pitched ‘wha-wha-wha’, lasting a few seconds. Made of identical notes, their songs are displayed at varying speeds. They are often referred to as a squeaky toy perched along your fence line.

American Goldfinch:

Song: dependent on whether a male or female is singing, their songs are made up of twitters and warbles that vary throughout their lifespan.

Call: making identifying birds by their songs a little harder, goldfinches have stand out calls made up of clear notes, trills and stutters at varying speeds.

Downy Woodpecker:

Uniquely distinctive for this species of bird, woodpeckers lack a melody or song. Throughout deciduous forests, these North American woodpeckers produce throaty high-pitched notes that descend towards the end of the call. If excited, these woodpeckers will give an even higher pitched chirp over a few seconds heard echoing through woodlands.

House Finch:

Song: the songs of these birds is rather soothing coupled with a sharp note towards the end. Males sing throughout the year and females deliver a softer version.

Call: both male and female house finches deliver a sharp ‘ cheep’ alarm call while perched or in flight. Both males and females deliver distinctive calls comprised of two or three liquid syllables.

Song Sparrow:

Song: these birds produce a very loud and often clanky song with two to six phrases, well spaced notes and ends with a buzz or trill. However, the song patterns these birds produce vary as they travel vast distances.

Call: to alarm others around them, sparrows will produce a sharp chirp like note.

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