Mystery Bird Song
Posted by Nick on April 27, 2004
Q: I recently heard a bird call that I could not identify, and it sounded fairly similar to the white-throated sparrow's song. In the first two notes of a white-throated's song, it is often said that the bird is saying "Poor Sam" in an ascending order. The bird that I heard, in essence, was saying "Poor Sam" over and over (nothing followed it), but "Sam" was lower in pitch than "Poor." The closest thing I can related it to is the "Ding-Dong" pitch of some doorbells, and the two syllables were fairly drawn out. Any ideas as to what species this might have been? Thanks!
A: Bird songs/calls are always difficult to describe but I think you've done a great job. I think I know what you're hearing. I'll wager that the "ding dong" call you're hearing is a Tufted Titmouse, not a White-throated Sparrow. Do keep in mind that birds don't always complete their song, especially early or late in the breeding season, but I think this is not the sparrow. Best thing to do is try and track down your songster and see who it is. Good luck!
John Wiessinger ( April 28, 2004)