An American Robin stands on a log in the sunshine with its beak slightly open, calling. *Photo by Arlene Koziol*

Nothing says “Spring is here!!” like the song of the American Robin. This common bird is many of our favorites for good reason. Its sounds are cheerful, familiar, and in Wisconsin synonymous with the arrival of warmer weather and springtime flowers. The American Robin makes a lot of different noises, and makes them often. It is a bird you are likely to hear on a daily basis, and once you commit their sounds to memory, you’ll be hearing them all over! Robins can be found in many habitats, including neighborhood yards, parks, woods, and field. They are often one of the first to sing in the morning and one of the last to call at night.

The robin is a member of the thrush family, so its songs are flutelike with similar tones.

Song:

Like most bird songs, robins use song to establish their nesting territory. It both warns other males that this area is spoken for, and also signals to females that this area is open for business.

The mnemonic for the American Robin’s song is a repetitive “cherriup, cheerio, cheerily”. You can make up your own mnemonic (or way to help you remember) that works better for you!

Their song at dawn is usually more energetic and rapid than later in the day. When you’re listening to them in your area, see if you can notice that difference!

Along with the cherrriup cheerio cheerilys, the robin makes a high-pitched, squeeky noise that sounds a little like breaking glass. Many thrushes make a similar noise in their songs. Listen for that in the audio file below.

Calls:

Robins have three primary calls. One is a repeated “tuk” sound to communicate with other robins. Another is a “peek!” alarm call when something is amiss. And the third is a delightful chirr noise that is similar to a chuckling sound.

Next time you are outside or near an open window, see if you can pick out these sounds and recognize them as our friendly neighbor, the American Robin. Do you hear them often? What do their songs and calls remind YOU of? Write in the comments below to share!

More resources:

Written by Brenna Marsicek, Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance director of outreach