Song

Birds can make a variety of sounds, from simple cries to elaborate songs.

The sounds can be used to warn other birds of danger or to attract a mate. Their calls can also give information about food, territory or nest building.

A bird is able to produce a complex song, partly, from instinctive behaviour, and partly from learning by listening to how other birds are singing.

Birdsong and calls are often used to help individual birds recognise each other. This is especially important when the forest is so thick that the birds can't see each other, or for example when a seabird colony is so big, that a bird can't see its mate or offspring in the crowd.