The First Four

Northern Cardinal

Familiar across much of North America, Northern Cardinals may be thought of as early singers. They begin to sing early in the season, often early in February. And they're one of the first to begin singing before dawn each morning.

• Listen to the song of the Northern Cardinal here. (Jim Berry, XC642028. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/642028.)

• Listen to many more songs and calls and learn more about the species here.

Carolina Wren

Perhaps the Carolina Wren has the loudest voice per ounce of body weight of any bird in our area. Though their vocabulary is broad the tone and volume can be easily recognized.

• Here's a recording of the species made at St. Marks NWR. Bill Grantham, XC692426. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/692426.

• And, you can listen to many more songs and calls and learn all about Carolina Wrens here.

Northern Parula

The high pitched buzzy trill of the Northern Parula coming from the canopy of the trees is a recognizable and nearly constant part of the spring and summer soundscape.

• This recording is from Lafayette County, FL. John Middleton, XC463617. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/463617.

• Learn and listen more by clicking here.

Mourning Dove

The name of the Mourning Dove comes from the mournful tone of its calls. You'll recognize it whenever you hear it!

• The first bird you'll hear in this is a Pine Warbler, but then the Mourning Dove is unmistakeable. Paul Marvin, XC451819. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/451819

• You'll find recordings from Cornell's "All About Birds" including the wing sounds of the Mourning Dove here.