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”
Category: ID Study
Streaky Sparrows of Northern California: Song, Savannah, Lincoln’s, and Fox Sparrow
Winter is a terrific season to practice sparrow identification skills. Let’s explore how to identify the four streaky-breasted sparrows found in Northern California: Song Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow, and Fox Sparrow. ** Continue reading “Streaky Sparrows of Northern California: Song, Savannah, Lincoln’s, and Fox Sparrow”
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”
Answers to Bird Quiz #3: Loafing Shorebirds
Okay, time for the answers!
If you haven’t taken our loafing shorebirds quiz, check it out here first – Bird Quiz #3: Loafing Shorebirds. Continue reading “Answers to Bird Quiz #3: Loafing Shorebirds”
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”
Ruby-crowned Kinglet vs. Hutton’s Vireo
Click here for part two of this post – “Bird Quiz #2: Ruby-crowned Kinglet vs. Hutton’s Vireo” – where you can put the pointers below to the test!
Ahh, winter is here! The air is crisp, the day is short, and the rain is coming down. But rain isn’t the only thing dripping from the trees this season – Ruby-crowned Kinglets have invaded Sonoma County! Continue reading “Ruby-crowned Kinglet vs. Hutton’s Vireo”