Is there a good resource for learning bird calls?

Stephanie O'Donnell

@StephODonnell
| She / Her

Groups

Acoustics

This question popped up on Twitter (or x?) and has had some interesting replies!

Wildoz twitchers: is there a good resource for learning bird calls? Like, if I hear a little twitter and want to check that it’s the twitterer that I think it is? @D0CT0R_Dave @wtb_Michael @Twitchathon ?
— Dr. Kylie Soanes (@kyliesoanes) October 19, 2023

I thought I'd start it as a discussion here too, and not limit it to australia, as it feels like the sort of question I see come up every so often. So having a searchable thread to collect ideas and recommendations might be useful in the long term. Please add your recommendations below, I'm curious to hear them and will make sure Kylie sees them too.

Stephanie O'Donnell

@StephODonnell | She / Her

WILDLABS

Fauna & Flora

I'm the Executive Manager at WILDLABS.

20 October 2023 12:19pm

Some of the recommendations Kylie has been getting:

eBird is also a great resource. Can help narrow downs species based on sightings in your area and has links to profiles of all species.
— David Parker (@pedionomus) October 20, 2023

Thanks! The trouble I’m having is narrowing it down based on calls - I know the tiny birds of the area, but can’t get eyes on them. So after somewhere I can go to hear a list of “what noises does a yellow rumped thornbill make” without listening to 15 min YouTube 😂
— Dr. Kylie Soanes (@kyliesoanes) October 20, 2023

I usually go listen to the calls for the potential suspects on Pizzey and Knight on my phone…
— Erika Roper 🦜🥔 (@_erikaroper) October 20, 2023

I start with Pizzey & Knight but it’s not comprehensive for call variations. Morcombe and also Stewart are good backups (if you’re keen enough to have them all :)

Anyone know how Merlin is progressing with Australian birds?
— Leo (@leo_qbn) October 20, 2023

I have found that, but it’s all I have so I make do 😅
— Erika Roper 🦜🥔 (@_erikaroper) October 20, 2023

Stephanie O'Donnell

@StephODonnell | She / Her

WILDLABS

Fauna & Flora

I'm the Executive Manager at WILDLABS.

20 October 2023 12:21pm

A few more!

Yes i use the Merlin app however i dont recommend using it too much as the males get agitated a bit (around breeding nesting)
— Simon Cotter (@SimonCotter62) October 19, 2023

For sure—there’s a few apps that are ideal for this, including the Michael Morcombe and David Stewart’s e-guide ($30)
— David M Watson (@D0CT0R_Dave) October 19, 2023

Also Pizzey and Knight’s birds of Australia has a digital edition with calls that you can check and compare ($50)
— David M Watson (@D0CT0R_Dave) October 19, 2023

Failing all that, if you have internet connection where you are then Graeme Chapman’s website has a terrific library of bird calls - I often refer to it: https://t.co/Metmy9VUxU

Xeno Canto is also an incredible website for bird calls, but not very mobile friendly.
— Harry Saddler (@MondayStory) October 19, 2023

The online calls help but still a learning a challenge. So many different calls by the same bird, regional variations, age variations and more mimics than lyrebirds and magpies. Tips like the Australian Raven and Little Raven are distinguished by final notes are good
— Ian Thompson (@IanThom186000) October 19, 2023

Everyone has answered while I was on the bike, so I'm just repeating. I use Morcombe first, YouTube second and xeno canto if I'm really stuck
— Bird Michael From Twitt℮r (@wtb_Michael) October 19, 2023

Try Merlin App by Cornell University. Can take a recording and it gives you options to narrow the search
— Jason Mingo (@jason_mingo) October 19, 2023

I am keen to try this one myself:https://t.co/CQy0CuKC5I
— Matt Furlong @[email protected] (@matticus_flinch) October 20, 2023

https://t.co/QlY0lmGQSF is my go-to
— The Bird Emergency - Grant the Bird Nerd (@birdemergency) October 19, 2023