Songs and Calls

Program Description

While these terms are often used synonymously, songs and calls serve different purposes. Songs are generally, longer, more melodic, and used mostly by males in a reproductive context. Calls are usually shorter, made by both sexes, and used in a variety of contexts. The American robin's calls sound nothing like its deedli-um deedle-dee song.

Program & Recording Notes

American robin calls are nicely presented on the CD collection Western Birding by Ear produced for the Peterson Field Guide series. The American robin's song I use, as well as the nice examples of the mountain chickadee's song and call, are from the CD collection Bird Songs of California produced by the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology.

Series 1
Introduction
Vocal Range
Importance of Song
Avoiding Monotony
Learning Song
Hip Hop Mimicry
Hummingbird Complexity
Syrinx Anatomy
Internal Duets (Cardinal)
Internal Duets (Cowbird)
Internal Duets (Thrushes)
Syrinx & Pan Pipes

Series 2
Songs & Calls
Call Repertoires
Alarm Calls
Mobbing Calls
Call Notes
Cross-Species Alarms
Pishing
Breathing
Lungs & Air Sacs
Circular Breathing
Resonance
Cooing