Listening to a Continent Sing

A western black-capped chickadee, typical of most birds from Kansas west to the crest of the Cascades.

The fourth song (at 0:18) is especially sharp and clear, telling of the two-toned hey-sweetie that is the signature whistle of these birds almost everywhere. I say "almost" because just a few days ride to the west (see OR-349) will reveal black-capped chickadees who know nothing of this song to which others of their kind conform.

Background

Yellow warbler, black-billed magpie, American crow, mourning dove.

Photo by John Van de Graaff