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Forests are filled with a variety of songs
from all types of birds. Birds are usually most vocal at dawn, and it can be difficult to separate all the sounds into individual
songs. Most birds make two basic types of sounds: call notes and songs. Call notes are simple, brief and can be used as
signals and warnings to other birds. These are the sounds birds use for basic communication. The songs can be much longer
and more complex. They are heard most often during the breeding season, and males of some species sing very enthusiastically
to defend their territory. These basic vocalizations vary greatly even within one species. Regional differences in songs, much
like dialects among different groups of people, are common in some bird species.
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Above: A common sparrow, one of many types of songbirds. Left: Eagles and ospreys. Photos by Maya Walters.
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Some birds live individually
and others in large family groups, but most try to defend a territory against others of their species. Many birds migrate between
temperate and tropical forests, returning to the same areas year after year. Males in particular are usually intent on chasing intruders out of their traditional
territory. Having a specific territory is an advantage because it is more efficient and less dangerous to forage in an
area that is familiar and well-known. Once territories are established, it is very difficult for a young bird to chase
another out of its traditional feeding and nesting grounds.
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