Song sparrows live across the US and are very communicative birds. They can make unique vocalizations and even learn songs from other sparrows. Because they have a large range and learn variations on songs, the song sparrows in Chicago may not sound like song sparrows in other parts of Illinois.
Sharp chirping notes indicate a bird is nervous or excited about something in its environment, perhaps the presence of a hawk, an unknown sound, forging for food, or meeting new birds. Longer notes may be a sparrow alerting other birds that it has a set territory and doesn’t want visitors.
Let’s listen to a few song sparrows songs from The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, write what we hear, and hypothesize (guess) what each song might be communicating.
Click the icon to the left to listen to an example of a song sparrow song. As you listen, ask yourself these questions. If you have a piece of paper and a pencil nearby, right down your answers.
- Do you hear chirps or long notes? What do they remind you of?
- Based on the chirps or longer notes, what do you guess the song sparrow is communicating?
Click the icon to the left to listen to an example of a song sparrow chirp. As you listen, ask yourself these questions. If you have a piece of paper and a pencil nearby, right down your answers.
- Do you hear chirps or long notes? What do they remind you of?
- Based on the chirps or longer notes, what do you guess the song sparrow is communicating?
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