Chipping Sparrow
Not Surprisingly, the Chipping Sparrow “Chips”
Another species that stands out in this soundscape is the Chipping Sparrow. You’ll often hear its dry chip notes and its song, a long, chipping rattle that remains at the same pitch. This is a great one to get to know well because it can be confused with several other bird species.
As Found in the Field
Watch this video of a Chipping Sparrow and its trilling song. Notice how the beak stays open during the trill while the bottom part of the beak vibrates rapidly.
How to Talk About It
TempoTrill
PitchDoesn’t really change during the song
RhythmA single four-second-long trill
RepetitionDozens of very brief, nearly identical chip notes in the trill
Tone QualityLong, dry, and mechanical
Learn the Sound Pattern
Listen for the distinct trill pattern.
Song Spotlight
Again, let’s listen to the soundscape, this time with the Chipping Sparrow in mind.
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