1	Bird Vocalizations Songs-used to establish territories and maintain pair bonds; often but not necessarily complex; usually species distinctive Calls-used for a variety of communication purposes; usually shorter and simpler than songs; can be useful for identification but not as species distinctive as songs
2	Types of Calls Contact Call [Chip]-heard year-round to maintain contact; given by perched birds Flight Call-heard year-round to maintain contact in flight; also often given by perched birds and birds about to fly Other Calls-heard year-round to announce danger or a multitude of other functions
3	What To Listen For In Calls Pitch-the frequency of call; note whether high or low AND whether level, upslurred or downslurred Length (Duration)-note whether long or short Rhythm-note whether there is a pattern in repeated calls Quality (Timbre)-the general quality or special characteristic of a call; described by an adjective(s) such as clear, dry, husky, buzzy, etc. (see next slide) Amplitude (Loudness)-CAUTION! This can depend on how close the bird is, the nature of the intervening space, or the mood of the bird
4	Some “Quality” Definitions Buzzy-the burry, vibrating, “zzz-sounding” quality of some calls Clear-no buzz or burry quality Dry-lacking a musical or liquid sound Sweet-opposite of dry; a rich or “pleasing-to-the-ear” sound Hard-loud amplitude; opposite of soft Metallic-the sound component of a call similar to striking two metal bars together Sharp-a clear, abrupt, somewhat piercing sound Slapping-quality of some sweet calls similar to a slap on the face Resonant-energetic, intensified, and penetrating Flat-dull; lacking emphasis, musical quality, and possibly amplitude Husky-refers to a harsh or dry characteristic in a call Mellow-a soft, gentle, relaxed quality of a call
5	Song Sparrow Flight Call
6	Song Sparrow Contact Call
7	Winter Wren Call
8	Northern Cardinal Call
9	White-throated Sparrow Contact Call
10	White-throated Sparrow Flight Call 1
11	White-throated Sparrow Flight Call 2
12	Dark-eyed Junco Contact Call (recording: gray-headed race)
13	American Goldfinch Call
14	Pine Siskin Call
15	References Sibley, David Allen, The Sibley Guide to Birds, Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.,( 2000) Evans, William R. and O’Brien, Michael, Flight Calls of Migratory Birds, Old Bird, Inc., (2002) Getty, Stephen R., Call Notes of North American Wood Warblers in Birding Vol. XXV No. 3 (June 1993) Elliott, Lang, Stokes Field Guide to Bird Songs, Time Warner (1997) for NOCA and PISI cuts