I am currently preparing to take my SKS regional birding exam, I have already passed the visual ID test and with an approximate 500 different birds in the list that I am studying, it has been quite a struggle to memorize all the bird sounds. I have tried different methods of memorizing the calls but have realized that the calls that I can remember best,  are the ones I can recall from walking out in nature.

Although memorizing hundreds of  bird calls and songs has been difficult, it has however not only improved my level of birding, it also increased my level of enjoyment birding. Knowing which bird you are hearing before you see him or her has added an extra dimension or super power to my birding skills and its definitely something all serious birders should invest time in, although it does take up considerable time.

But what is the difference between a bird call and a song?

Bird calls are generally short sounds and serve a functional purpose such as alerts and alarms or for keeping in contact with other birds and are made up of just a few notes. Both male and female birds use calls. Birds’ calls are frequently heard throughout the year.

Bird songs are often associated with courtship and mating rituals and tend to be longer and more complex as well sound tuneful to people. Songs are also used for family bonding. They are frequently heard in the spring months and are more complex and musical than calls are.

Birds that sing songs usually inhabit dense areas or areas of low visibility, such as in forests, jungles, or areas with tall grass. Birds that inhabit open areas, such as lakes or open plains, don’t have as much need for songs because they are more easily seen.

Some species of birds have many different songs and some species only have one song. Odd as it may seem, there are birds that seldom sing or do not sing songs at all.

The following list gives a general explanation of the function of bird songs and calls:

• Alarm calls –sharp, piercing calls that are used to warn of danger when birds feel threatened.
• Begging calls –calls made by young chicks to get attention from their parents and may be accompanied by wing flutters.
• Contact calls – when travelling in flocks birds will make contact calls to keep in touch with each other.
• Flight calls – musical calls that are used to keep flocks together or to announce a bird’s presence to others when flying.
• Bird songs – the most familiar type of bird sound, bird songs can be elaborate and tuneful and some of the easiest sounds to identify as they are distinctive to different species.

Birds will also make a variety of non-vocal sounds such as drumming, wing beats and clapping and bill snaps , which also has a different function or similar to vocal sounds.

Some birds are excellent mimics of other birds, which may confuse you if you are trying to identify birds by sound.

So get out that App and start learning those calls and songs!