American Robin Dictionary For 6 American Robin Vocalizations Robins produce several vocalizations. These six are the most commonly heard, and the most well-studied at this time. All Recordings Courtesy of Lang Elliott Nature Sound Studios except where noted. (mp3 files) Typical Song mp3 file Dawn Song mp3 file Peek and Tut Calls mp3 file Whinny Call mp3 file High Seeeeee Call mp3 file Zeeeeup! Call mp3 file Typical Song (Melodic, whistled song sounds like a long sentence composed of words mostly of 3 syllables, with pauses between) 1. Given by males to declare territory. Hearing this song makes other males' heart rates increase; they are stressed enough to space themselves. ("Keep off! This is MY territory!") 2. At the same time that the song warns away other males, it entices females near. ("Hey, sweetie! Check out MY yard! Wouldn't this be a great place to raise babies? Wouldn't I make a great father to your babies?") Do some of the 3-syllable words sound like "cheerio" to your ear? Dawn Song (Excited, more rapid and continuous version of Typical Song) 1. Given by males at first light, and sometimes while it's still very dark. ("I can't sleep I'm so excited about this cool territory that is all mine! But if you're a male, you better keep away! Of course, if you're a female, come on over!") Do some of the 3-syllable words sound like "cheerio" to your ear? Peek and Tut Calls (Two or three sharp "Peek!" calls alternating with softer "Tut" calls) Given by males and females, especially during the nesting season. This is a low-grade alarm call, given when potential, but unlikely, predators have been spotted. ("Hey--check out that person! He probably doesn't mean any harm, but you never know.") Whinny Call (Excited sound which reminds some ornithologists of a horse whinnying) Given by males and females in higher level alarm situations. ("Hey! Danger!") Other robins often fly in when they hear this, to help mob a predator like a cat or a Blue Jay. High Seeeeee Call (Very high-pitched "seeeeeee") Given by males and females. This is a high-grade alarm call, usually given when a hawk is flying overhead. ("Everybody! Watch out! Here comes a hawk!.") When other birds hear this, they often freeze in position, sometimes for many minutes. Zeeeeup! Call (Excited, buzzy and chattering sounds) Given by males and females, sometimes in feeding groups, sometimes during migration flights. This is probably a contact call. ("Aren't these berries delicious? What a great day. Off we go into the wild blue yonder. ") Try This! Fun Activities with Robin Songs To quiz yourself on these 6 robin vocalizations, play: Name That Tune! Learn more about American Robin vocalizations and find out how you can do a field study about your own backyard robins! Fun Experiments in Counting Robin Songs: How Many Songs? Robin Song Study Another Simple Robin Song Experiment: Robin Song Study Try This! Journaling Question Real robins don't have dictionaries. How do you suppose robins learn what each of these sounds means? This Season Teachers Kids Orientation Registration Search Copyright 1997-2008 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Questions or comments? Contact us.