Episode: 5

Summary

This episode is Part 1 of 2 about Bird Songs.

The voices of birds dominate nature’s soundscape. Bird songs and calls can be heard in almost every environment on the planet.

In this episode, I’ll cover the characteristics of bird songs and how they are produced. We’ll also get into the question of whether bird songs are learned or instinctual.

Research Citations

Willow and Alder flycatcher study proving their songs are innate (Kroodsma. 1984. The Auk)

Links to Some Things Mentioned in this Episode

Lyrebird singing (YouTube video clip)
Birdsong for the Curious Naturalist, book by Donald Kroodsma

Attributions

Superb Lyrebird - Recording XC570705 on Xeno Canto
Ruffed Grouse drumming - Recording XC132863 on Xeno Canto
Pileated Woodpecker drumming - Recording XC71727 on Xeno Canto
Musician Wren singing - Recording XC242524 on Xeno Canto
Northern Raven 'song' - Recording XC496700 on Xeno Canto
Willow Flycatcher singing - Recording XC134878 on Xeno Canto
Alder Flycatcher singing - Recording XC139577 on Xeno Canto
Brown Thrasher singing - Recording XC320485 on Xeno Canto
Winter Wren singing - Recording XC142584 on Xeno Canto

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website

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Bird Songs - Part 1

The Science of Birds