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

Six Eye-Catching Warblers That Deserve Your Attention
May 08, 2019 — Spring is the ideal season to spot songbirds of every hue. Here’s your introduction to a common North American family.
News
When Women Run the Bird World
May 03, 2019 — For decades female birders have been the silent majority. Now they’re starting their own movements to transform a privileged culture.
News
A Birder's Workout Guide for Preventing Warbler Neck
May 02, 2019 — Feeling the burn during migration? Build your core muscles with these six expert-approved exercises.
In the Field
Here’s Why Birds Rub Their Beaks on Stuff
May 01, 2019 — There’s more to this behavior than meets the eye. Some of it meets the nose.
News
Birders of the World Can Now Learn Close to a Thousand Species in Arabic
April 30, 2019 — The new “Birds of the Middle East” app makes the region's rich avian offerings accessible to schoolkids, residents, and travelers.
Gear