Students will recognize some bird songs of common Illinois species and the importance and differences between songs and calls. Communication is important to birds, especially in habitats where vegetation impedes vision, such as forests, grasslands and wetlands. Birds communicate by vocalizations, such as songs and calls, other noises, like tapping and drumming, and behaviors such as courtship flights and dances.
Songs are specific patterns of notes repeated with few variations.
They are used to attract mates and mark the territory necessary for production and rearing of young. Each species has its own specific song or songs. Just like humans, bird songs have regional dialects. Some birds are born knowing how to sing. Others must listen to calls of adult birds of their kind and practice the calls before perfecting them.