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
American Bittern
Herons, Egrets, Bitterns
! Priority Bird
Varied Thrush
Thrushes
Red-tailed Hawk
Hawks and Eagles
Pied-billed Grebe
Grebes

More Birding Advice

A Beginner’s Guide to Recording Bird Vocalizations
June 16, 2017 — Capturing songs and calls can open a whole new level of birding—but equipment can be daunting. Here’s what you need to know to get started.
Birdist Rule #95: Learn the Red-Eyed Vireo's Song and Level-Up Your Birding
June 15, 2017 — Knowing this species opens the door to a whole new world of birds.
Birdist Rule #28: Know When Birds Think You're Too Close to Their Nests
June 09, 2017 — There are a variety of behaviors birds display when they feel threatened. Understanding them will make you a more responsible birder.
A Birder’s Farewell to the East Coast
June 07, 2017 — Cheers to the cardinals, the chickadees, the jays, and yes, even to the grackles I pretend to ignore.
The Insider’s Guide to Birding in Central Park, New York City
June 02, 2017 — It won’t be your typical birding experience—but that’s what also makes it so special. We asked the experts for tips to make the most of your visit.