Tree Swallows are a fun, dynamic, and noisy species. As a frequent user of man-made nest boxes, this is a species one is likely to encounter in many types of natural areas, particularly if there is water nearby. Tree Swallows are primarily insectivores, so those watery areas that support lots of flying insects like dragonflies, damselflies, moths, butterflies, etc. are excellent habitat for this bird. This is less likely to be a backyard bird, but one you are likely to encounter on a hike.

Photo by Arlene Koziol

I feel so torn about writing about House Sparrows this week! Although they are an exotic, invasive species that displace and outcompete native birds, they ARE a very commonly heard bird — which is why they are here, in the Who’s That Singing series. For better or worse (and mostly worse), House Sparrows are apart of the soundscape in most urban and farm settings, so here we go!

Photo by Jan Rose FCC

I absolutely love it when a teeny-tiny bird can blast out a song completely out of proportion with their size. The Northern House Wren is the best example of that I can think of. The Northern House Wren is an excited little bird, seemingly constantly on the move and singing frequently their big, cheerful song. They are happy in back yards and will nest readily in nest boxes, so are a common one for backyard birders to hear and see.

Photo by Arlene Koziol

From the moment the arrive in spring, you know they’re here. Red-winged Blackbirds are a wetland bird that is loud and proud and about as bold as you can imagine.

Photo by Mick Thompson

One of the most fabulous summer birds is certainly the Gray Catbird, who is doing a LOT of singing right now in southern Wisconsin. It makes a variety of sounds that are both silly and interesting, given that this bird is a relative of mockingbirds and thrashers — birds that are skilled mimics. Its song is a delightful gibberish of babbling noises, and its call is what gives it the name Catbird.

Photo by Dennis Church FCC

The Northern Cardinal has some really amazing and note-worthy sounds! Males sing year round, females do some singing as well, and all cardinals make noises galore.

Photo by Arlene Koziol

The Baltimore Oriole is one of the most beloved bird species by backyard birders, and for good reason! It’s colorful, it enjoys the fruits and jellies put out in feeders, it creates incredible nests, and importantly, it sings a delightful, jolly tune.

Photo by Phil Brown

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!

Photo by Arlene Koziol