Song:
Robin or Cardinal?
How to Tell For Sure
 |
 |
Photo
Wayne Kryduba |
Photo Stephan Pelikan Listen
to the Cardinal! |
As the spring chorus of birdsong begins, some observers think they hear an early robin when they are actually hearing the Northern Cardinal. In some places, both species are seen in late winter. You won't confuse robin song and cardinal song after you try this:
1. Listen to the robin's song and the cardinal's song.
2. Try to imitate each song. Which song is easiest to imitate?
You will find that humans easily imitate the cardinal song but not the robin's! This can help you know if you're hearing a robin or a cardinal when you report your first singing robin to Journey North.
What is a song?
Songs are the bird's most conspicuous vocalizations. They are different from a bird's other sounds, which are called notes, calls, and chips, depending on their structure and the volume at which they are delivered. Males sing their songs as
- warning: to mark turf and warn other males to keep out of this territory.
- invitations to attract a mate — to invite a female bird to come into this territory.
What
are Notes, Calls, and Chips?
Unlike songs, other notes
seem to serve purposes such as maintaining contact
with
flock
mates, or warning of danger. Humans have calls, too; you might call,
"Watch out!" or "I'm hungry! or "I'm over here."
Try This!
- Learn the robin's song and other calls and notes by visiting our Robin Dictionary!
Kids
Orientation
Registration
Search
Copyright
1997-2008 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Questions or comments?
Contact us.
