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American
Robin
Dictionary
of Songs and Sounds |
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"Zeeeeup!"
Peek!" "Tut, tut, tut!" What do robins mean when they
make these sounds? Robins produce several vocalizations. The six listed
below are the most commonly heard, and the most well-studied at this
time. Listen to each distinct vocalization and learn what it means.
All
Recordings Courtesy of Lang
Elliott Nature Sound Studios. |
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Typical
Song (Listen!
) |
Dawn
Song (Listen!
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Description
of Vocalization:
A melodic, whistled song, it sounds like a long sentence
composed of words mostly of 3 syllables, with pauses in between.
Context
and Meaning:
- Given
by males to declare territory. Hearing this song makes other males'
heart rates increase; they are stressed enough to space themselves.
"Keep off! This is
MY territory!"
- At
the same time that the song warns away other males, it entices females
near. Hey, sweetie! Check out MY yard! Wouldn't
this be a great place to raise babies? Wouldn't I make a great father
to your babies?"
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Description
of Vocalization:
Excited,
more rapid and continuous version of Typical Song.
Do
some of the 3-syllable words sound like "cheerio" to
your ear?
Context
and Meaning:
- Given
by males at first light, and sometimes while it's still very dark. "I
can't sleep I'm so excited about this cool territory that is all mine!
But if you're a male, you better keep away! Of course, if you're a female,
come on over!"
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Peek
and Tut (Listen!
) |
Whinny
Call (Listen!
) |
Description
of Vocalization:
Two
or three sharp "Peek!" calls alternating with softer "Tut"
calls
Context
and Meaning:
- Given
by males and females, especially during the nesting season. This is
a low-grade alarm call, given when potential, but unlikely, predators
have been spotted. "Hey--check out that person!
He probably doesn't mean any harm, but you never know."
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Description
of Vocalization:
Excited
sound which reminds some ornithologists of a horse whinnying
Context
and Meaning:
- Given
by males and females in higher level alarm situations. Other
robins often fly in when they hear this, to help mob a predator like
a cat or a Blue Jay. "Hey! Danger!"
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High
Seeeeee Call (Listen!
) |
Zeeeeup!
Call (Listen!
) |
Description
of Vocalization:
Very
high-pitched "seeeeeee."
Context
and Meaning:
- Given
by males and females. This is a high-grade alarm call, usually given
when a hawk is flying overhead. "Everybody!
Watch out! Here comes a hawk!."
Most bird
vocalizations are intended only for birds within a species. But all small
songbirds species know the high seeeeeee call. When other birds hear this,
they often freeze in position, sometimes for many minutes. If a species
doesn't have or make this call themselves, at the very least they know
what it means. It is to the benefit of the little victim birds that they
all know the sound or make it, because it warns every little bird in the
neighborhood that potential danger is near. |
Description
of Vocalization:
Excited,
buzzy and chattering sounds.
Context
and Meaning:
- Given
by males and females, sometimes in feeding groups, sometimes during
migration flights. This is probably a contact call. "Aren't
these berries delicious? What a great day. Off we go into the wild blue
yonder."
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Related
Links: |
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