Field Sparrow song and calls

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

Song

The song is a distinctive, sweet, slurred whistle that starts slowly and accelerates into a trill. It often sounds like 'swee-swee-swee-swee-swee-swee-swee-trill-trill-trill' or 'tee-oo, tee-oo, tee-oo, te-te-te-te-te-te-te'. The pitch often rises slightly towards the end of the trill. It is one of the most recognizable songs of open country.

Calls

Common calls include a soft 'tseet' or 'chip' note, often given when foraging or in flight. An alarm call is a sharper 'tsip'.

When they vocalize

Males sing frequently from prominent perches throughout the breeding season, from early spring through late summer. They are most vocal in the early morning and late afternoon.

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