Tree sparrows are small brown birds that are commonly found in backyards, parks, and woodlands across much of North America. Their distinctive vocalizations can help identify them by ear. In this article, we will explore the different calls and songs of tree sparrows to get a better understanding of what these vocal little birds sound like.
Tree Sparrow Call
The most common vocalization of the tree sparrow is a simple, one-note call. This call is made up of a single chip note that sounds like “tsip.” The call is clear, high-pitched, and repeated in a series. Tree sparrows give this familiar “tsip” call year-round to stay in contact with others of their kind. It serves as a constant background noise wherever flocks of tree sparrows can be found. This call can sound buzzy and insect-like when given in rapid succession by multiple birds.
Flight Call
Tree sparrows also have a distinctive flight call. This call is given when the birds are flushed and start flying. It is a buzzy “dzee-dzee-dzee” sound. The flight call is harsher and more urgent-sounding than the standard “tsip” chip note. It is repeated multiple times as the sparrows take to the air. This helps them locate each other after becoming separated. The flight call of the tree sparrow is a key way to identify the bird as it flies overhead.
Song
The true song of the tree sparrow is a sweet, high-pitched warbling. It is complex and musical, more elaborate than their simple chip calls. The song begins with clear whistled notes and trills that introduce faster buzzing phrases. A full song includes 5-10 seconds of continuous melodic vocalizations. The songs have a gentle, flowing quality. Tree sparrows sing from an exposed perch to defend their breeding territories or attract a mate in spring and summer.
Regional Differences
There are some subtle regional dialects in tree sparrow songs across the continent. Western birds have a slower, more drawn-out song compared to eastern populations. The ending trill may also be longer. However, the songs maintain the same overall musical structure and pitch no matter where they are sung.
Other Contexts
Tree sparrows also sing briefly just before settling into roosts for the night. These twilight songs are whispered and disjointed compared to full daytime songs. Soft song variants are also given during nest building and other moments of high excitement.
Call of Nestlings
The sounds made by tree sparrow chicks in the nest provide another element of their vocal repertoire. Nestlings give repetitive Musical calls that sound like high-pitched door creaks or beeps. These calls beg for food from parents and allow the chicks to keep in contact when adults are away from the nest. The calls grow louder and more insistent as the chick gets hungrier. They change to a harsher buzzing around the time the birds are ready to fledge.
Identifying by Call and Song
Taken together, the various calls and songs of tree sparrows can help identify them solely by sound. Some key traits to listen for include:
- Frequent, single-noted “tsip” calls
- Harsh “dzee” flight calls when flushed
- Soft, musical, whistled songs from an exposed perch
- Insistent beeping calls of nestlings
These vocalizations distinguish tree sparrows from other similar backyard birds. Getting to know their sounds helps make tree sparrows easy to detect and identify, even when they are hidden out of view.
When do Tree Sparrows Vocalize
Tree sparrows make their wide range of sounds year-round. However, they vocalize most frequently during the breeding season from March to August. Here is a breakdown of when different calls and songs are heard:
| Type of Vocalization | When It’s Heard |
|---|---|
| Contact “tsip” call | Year-round |
| Flight call | Year-round when flushed |
| Full song | March to August – peak in May/June |
| Soft song | March to August during nesting rituals |
| Nestling calls | May to July when chicks are in the nest |
During the non-breeding months, tree sparrows are less vocal but can still be identified by their constant “tsip” contact calls. Then as spring approaches, songs and calls increase as birds defend territories and attract mates.
Why do Tree Sparrows Vocalize
Tree sparrows vocalize for the following key reasons:
Contact
Calls like the “tsip” chip note help tree sparrows stay in constant auditory contact with their flocks. This allows them to coordinate movements and forage together efficiently.
Alarm
The buzzy flight calls serve to alarm others of their kind that danger is near. This helps the flock take quick evasive action.
Territory
Songs announce and defend breeding territories. Males sing to claim space and ward off rivals during nesting season.
Attracting a Mate
Songs also help attract females during courtship. Unmated males sing the most to attract a female’s attention.
Bonding
Vocalizations help strengthen the pair bond between mates. Male and female tree sparrows may engage in duets of calling and soft singing.
Begging
Nestlings vocalize loudly and repetitively to stimulate the adults to bring them food.
Staying Together
Family groups of fledglings, juveniles, and parents use constant contact calls to remain together post-fledging.
By understanding why tree sparrows vocalize, we gain greater insight into their habits and behaviors throughout the seasons.
What do the Calls and Songs Sound Like?
Here are descriptions of the major tree sparrow vocalizations:
Tsip Call
– Single chip note
– High, clear pitch
– Sounds like “tsip”
– Often repeated in series
Flight Call
– Harsh, buzzy “dzee”
– Repeated when flushed
– Sounds like “dzee-dzee-dzee”
Full Song
– Sweet, whistled intro
– Flowing, musical trills
– Ends in faster buzzing notes
– 5-10 seconds long
Soft Song
– Short, whispered songs
– Given at roosts or nests
– Disjointed compared to full song
Nestling Call
– repetitive, high beeps
– Sounds like a creaky door
– Gets louder when begging for food
These descriptions capture the essence of tree sparrow vocalizations. But it’s best to listen to recordings or examples in the field to fully appreciate how they sound.
Conclusion
Tree sparrows have a diverse vocal repertoire that serves important functions in their daily lives and seasonal behaviors. Becoming familiar with their most common calls and songs allows us to detect this species by ear and better understand their habits. The sweet whistles and buzzes of tree sparrows provide a pleasant and easily identifiable background sound across many North American backyards, parks, and woodlands.
