Black-Capped Chickadee Calls (Learn 4 Common Sounds)
The Black-capped Chickadee is known as one of the cutest birds in North America. Learning the calls of the chickadee can be very beneficial to birders as their calls can tell birders when hawks are nearby.
Black-Capped Chickadee Songs and CALLS:
- Make sure to press PLAY on the audio files below. 🙂
Sound #1: ‘fee-bee’ (Eastern)
This ‘fee-bee’ song can sometimes be confused with the song of an Eastern Phoebe. If it sounds more melodic and less raspy, then it is the song of a Black-Capped Chickadee.
Sound #2: 2-3 note ‘fee-bee’ (Northwestern)
Black-capped chickadees live across North America, so it makes sense that, like humans, they would have different dialects. Sound 1 and 2 are both Black-Capped Chickadees singing the ‘same’ song.
Northwestern Black-Capped Chickadees sing their songs with 2-3 more added notes making it sound unique in comparison to Black-Capped Chickadees living in other areas.
Sound# 3: ‘Chickadee-dee-dee’ Warning Call
The chickadee receives its name from the warning call it makes when danger is near. The more ‘dee’s at the end the bigger the threat. Since chickadees have a well-perfected warning system, many birds find safety by living near or even joining chickadee flocks. It is very common to spot nuthatches, woodpeckers, and other small songbirds within a chickadee flock.
Sound# 4: High-Pitched ‘See’
Black-capped chickadees also make this high-pitched ‘see’ call if they detect danger that is coming in fast. This call alerts other birds to freeze. Once the danger has passed, a chickadee will call out ‘chick-a-dee’, telling all that it is safe again.
Have you heard the calls and sounds of a Black-Capped Chickadee before?
If so, please let us know below!
