Bird Calls & Sounds

Bird calls are a language of their own and are carefully expressed to convey important messages. Bird sounds are a great form of communication as they can be heard even when the “narrator” is not seen or is a far way off.

Bird sounds are separated into songs and calls. Bird calls are simple notes produced by males and females throughout the year. Different bird calls are sounded for different purposes. Contact calls keep birds in a flock aware of each others whereabouts. The sound of bird song is more elaborate and musical, telling other birds: “This is my territory”. Alarm calls attract other birds to assist in attacking predators and stopping their silent approach.

Bird song is especially important at the beginning of the breeding season, Bird song is most effective in the morning as sound travels farther in the still air. Birds will often perch on high, exposed positions to make their voices heard, as this reduces interference from surrounding bush and allows the sound to travel more effectively.

Many people listen to recordings of bird calls and use these in identifying birds as each bird has unique calls and sounds. So next time you listen to birds calling outside your window, consider what message they are trying to convey.