Of the over 475 species of birds that can be found in British Columbia, more than 200 of them are songbirds. This guide highlights species of songbirds from the 25 families found in British Columbia. Calls are usually short and simple and used to signal things such as danger or hunger. Birds of all ages and both sexes produce bird calls all year round.
Bird songs are long, complicated and repetitive.
They can sometimes continue for hours at a time. The male songbird is usually the singer and his song, which is heard during the breeding season, may have two functions. It may help to defend his territory from other males or it may be used to attract potential mates. The male is also usually more colourful than the female, enhancing his chances of attracting a mate. Although not all songbirds are musical, they all have a very well- developed vocal organ called the syrinx .