Indigo Bunting song and calls

Birdsong and calls are often the easiest way to identify the Indigo Bunting, especially when the bird is hidden in dense foliage. Below is what to listen for.

Song

A high-pitched, sweet, and often rapid series of paired notes, typically described as 'sweet-sweet, where-where, here-here, see-it, see-it'. The song is often delivered from a prominent perch and can be quite persistent, especially on sunny mornings. Each phrase is usually doubled, and the pitch often rises or falls.

Calls

A sharp 'spik' or 'chip' call, often given when agitated or in flight. Also a soft 'tsit' contact call.

When they vocalize

Males sing frequently throughout the breeding season, from dawn until dusk, especially in the morning. Song activity peaks in late spring and early summer. Calls are given year-round.

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