Learning Birdsong
Written by Charley and Polly, July 2025
Earlier this year, we ran a four-session ‘Birdsong for Beginners’ course at different greenspaces around Salisbury. Over the four visits, we recorded 37 bird species either by sight or sound (the full list is below). Here are some of the information and tips that were shared on the course.
Learning birdsong is like learning a new language – it takes time and effort. You will get the most out of it if you put time and effort in regularly to learn to recognise more birds. It’s worth remembering that birdsong is largely seasonal, so it can take a while to get your ear tuned in again each Spring.
Why do birds sing?
Birds sing to mark territories and to attract a mate. Many species only sing in the spring and summer but some sing all year round – including Robins! As well as song, birds also use calls to communicate with each other. These include contact calls and alarm calls. The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) have some good resources on learning birdsong and bird calls.
Bird Sound Identification Apps
We recommend that you don’t rely on identification apps (such as Merlin or BirdNet) as they are not 100% accurate. It has been queried whether using apps is an effective way to learn. It is better to use your own knowledge and reliable sources to confirm or help your identification, e.g. can you see the bird? Is it known to be present in the area?
How to record birds observed
As well as enjoying looking at and listening to birds, you can contribute to science and conservation by officially recording your sightings. The best way to do this is via the BTO website. By joining the Garden BirdWatch, you can record the birds you see in your garden or local greenspace every week, with maximum numbers seen. You can also submit one-off sightings to BirdTrack.
Progressing your learning
Set yourself an intention going forwards. You may like to:
- Get outside every morning (even if just for a few minutes).
- Write down what species you think you can hear before checking with an app.
- Share what you’ve learnt with a friend.
- Have a go at doing birdsong impressions!
We will be running our Birdsong for Beginner course again in Spring 2026. Do sign up to our mailing list to hear the latest news about our events.
Species recorded in Salisbury greenspaces during the 2025 course:
H = heard, S = seen
Robin H
Chaffinch H
Wren H, S
Jackdaw H, S
Woodpigeon H, S
Magpie H, S
Carrion Crow H, S
Blackcap H
Greenfinch H
Chiffchaff H
House Sparrow H
Blackbird S, H
Swift S
Mallard S
Little Egret S
Pheasant S
Swan S
House Martin S
Green Woodpecker S
Goldcrest H, S
Great Tit H, S
Dunnock H
Blue Tit H, S
Goldfinch H
Pied Wagtail S
Starling S
Coal tit H
Nuthatch H, S
Red Kite S
Songthrush H, S
Whitethroat H
Swallow S, H
Kestrel S
Collared Dove S, H
Grey Heron S
Long-tailed Tit S, H
Cetti’s Warbler H
Skylark H
Wildlife and Wellbeing Community Interest Company 