Sound guide to the birds of campus
The purpose of this guide is to promote interest in bird-watching and identifying through the use of bird song. It was created in hopes that faculty and students of the University of Connecticut will become more familiar with the birds and other wildlife of UConn. Patience and quiet observation are the keys to a successful viewing of the animals around us!
How to Use this Guide:
The guide is designed so that beginner birders can have a leg-up to bird identification; as vocalizations are one of the most common methods of communication throughout the bird-world, it helps beginners to become familiar with their songs and calls. Start by identifying the habitat you are in, then listen for a few minutes to determine the type of sound you are hearing. Don’t become discouraged and keep a positive outlook!
Contents
- 1 Yellow Warbler
- 2 Common Yellowthroat
- 3 Warbling Vireo
- 4 Baltimore Oriole
- 5 Red-Winged Blackbird
- 6 Eastern Phoebe
- 7 Mourning Dove
- 8 Chipping Sparrow
- 9 Black-capped Chickadee
- 10 Red-eyed Vireo
- 11 Chimney Swift
- 12 American Robin
- 13 Blue Jay
- 14 Bobolink
- 15 Gray Catbird
- 16 Ovenbird
- 17 Tufted Titmouse
- 18 Wood Thrush
- 19 Veery
Yellow Warbler
A high pitched phrase all the same pitch – “Sweet, sweet, sweet, sweeter than sweet!”
Common Yellowthroat
A distinctive: “Witchity witchity witchity witch!” with a drop in pitch on each syllable of the word.
Warbling Vireo
Long and complex song, sounds almost like its asking a long question with the lifted-pitch end note.
Baltimore Oriole
Sweet whistling call that is highly variant; these birds can easily be spotted on tops of thickly growing shrubs.
Red-Winged Blackbird
Harsh and dramatic “Conk-a-reeee!” – this bird’s call is unmistakable once learned.
