Collage comparing Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared-Dove, and Band-tailed Pigeon all in California

Birding By Ear Lesson #3: Cooing Columbidae – Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared-Dove, and Band-tailed Pigeon

In this third Birding By Ear lesson, we’ll address three members of the Columbidae family (doves and pigeons) – the Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared-Dove, and Band-tailed Pigeon.
 
All three make similar but distinctive “advertising coos.” Each of these three sounds are most often performed by a male looking to attract a mate or defend a breeding territory, and thus, are generally recognized as songs. These three “songs” might be heard year-round, but performances peak in breeding season. Continue reading “Birding By Ear Lesson #3: Cooing Columbidae – Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared-Dove, and Band-tailed Pigeon”

Collage of male American Robin, Black-headed Grosbeak, Western Tanager

Birding By Ear Lesson #2: Song Comparison of American Robin, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Western Tanager

In this second Birding By Ear lesson, we’ll break down three easily confused songs heard during spring and summer – the songs of the American Robin, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Western Tanager. Continue reading “Birding By Ear Lesson #2: Song Comparison of American Robin, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Western Tanager”

Birding By Ear Lesson #1: Spring Songs of Song Sparrow, Bewick’s Wren, and Savannah Sparrow

Tune those ears up – it’s time for the first Birding By Ear lesson! We’ll listen to three common bird songs heard throughout Sonoma County in spring and discuss song identification. Continue reading “Birding By Ear Lesson #1: Spring Songs of Song Sparrow, Bewick’s Wren, and Savannah Sparrow”