The world of birds is filled with a variety of sounds, from the melodious songs of songbirds to the piercing calls of hawks.
But there are also some birds that have calls that sound more like a trickling stream or a gentle rain shower – birds that sound like water drops.
These birds are the Swainson’s Thrush and the Brown-headed Cowbird. While they may not be the most common birds, their water-drop-like calls are sure to catch your attention if you’re lucky enough to hear them.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at these two birds and their unique calls. We’ll also discuss the reasons why they might make these sounds.
Keep reading to learn more about these fascinating birds!
Swainson’s Thrush
This medium-sized thrush has a variety of calls, but its most distinctive is a clear, single note that sounds like a water drop plunking into a pool. The call is often used to attract mates and defend territory.
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Catharus ustulatus |
| Common Name | Swainson’s Thrush |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Genus | Catharus |
| Habitat | Boreal and temperate forests, wooded areas, and shrublands |
| Range | Breeds in North America, migrates to Central and South America |
| Migration | Migratory, undertaking long-distance migrations |
| Size | Length: 6.3 to 7.5 inches (16 to 19 cm) |
| Wingspan | Approximately 10.6 inches (27 cm) |
| Weight | 0.7 to 1.1 ounces (20 to 31 grams) |
| Plumage | Brownish-olive upperparts, buffy-white underparts with heavy spotting on the breast |
| Feeding Habits | Insects, spiders, berries, and small fruits |
| Behavior | Shy and elusive, often forages on the ground |
| Song | Musical and flute-like, with a descending, spiraling quality |
| Breeding Season | May to July |
| Nesting | Cup-shaped nest on the ground or in low vegetation |
| Eggs | Typically 3 to 4 pale blue-green eggs |
| Incubation Period | About 11 to 15 days |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (population stable) |
| Notable Feature | Distinctive flute-like song; migrates long distances between breeding and wintering grounds |
Meet the Swainson’s Thrush, a small bird known for its sweet, flute-like song. During the breeding season in woodlands, listen carefully, and you might hear phrases in its song that sound like the gentle patter of water droplets. It’s like nature’s own lullaby.
American Bittern
Head to wetlands, and you might encounter the American Bittern, a bird that’s a master of disguise and mimicry.
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Botaurus lentiginosus |
| Common Name | American Bittern |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Genus | Botaurus |
| Habitat | Marshes, wetlands, reed beds, and shallow ponds |
| Range | North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico |
| Migration | Migratory, some populations are resident |
| Size | Length: 23 to 34 inches (58 to 86 cm) |
| Wingspan | Approximately 45 inches (114 cm) |
| Weight | 1 to 1.5 pounds (0.45 to 0.68 kg) |
| Plumage | Cryptic brown and buff, with streaks and spots |
| Feeding Habits | Primarily fish, amphibians, insects, and small mammals |
| Behavior | Solitary and secretive; often stands motionless to blend with surroundings |
| Call/Song | Loud, booming “pump-er-lunk” sound during breeding season |
| Breeding Season | April to July |
| Nesting | Platform nest in emergent vegetation or on the ground |
| Eggs | 3 to 5 pale green or blue-green eggs |
| Incubation Period | About 24 to 29 days |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (population stable) |
| Notable Feature | Camouflage plumage and ability to stand motionless for extended periods |
This wader has a cool trick—it can imitate the sound of water droplets. Its “pumper-lunk” call adds a touch of magic to the wetland soundscape, creating an illusion of falling water.
Brown-headed Cowbird
This small, black bird is known for its parasitic breeding habits, but it also has a distinctive call that sounds like a water drop. The call is often used to communicate with other cowbirds.
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Molothrus ater |
| Common Name | Brown-headed Cowbird |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Genus | Molothrus |
| Habitat | Varied, including open fields, pastures, and forest edges |
| Range | Throughout North America, except for some northern regions |
| Migration | Generally non-migratory, but some populations may exhibit short-distance movements |
| Size | Length: 7 to 8.5 inches (18 to 22 cm) |
| Weight | 1.5 to 2 ounces (42 to 57 grams) |
| Plumage | Glossy black plumage with a brown head (males); brown and streaked (females) |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivorous, diet includes seeds, insects, and small fruits |
| Behavior | Brood parasite; females lay eggs in the nests of other bird species |
| Song | Harsh, gurgling sounds |
| Breeding Season | Late spring to midsummer |
| Nesting | Parasitic nesting; eggs laid in the nests of other bird species |
| Eggs | Variable, matching the host species’ eggs in color and pattern |
| Incubation Period | 10 to 12 days |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (population stable) |
| Notable Feature | Obligate brood parasite, meaning it relies on other bird species to raise its young |
Now, let’s talk about the Brown-headed Cowbird. This bird might surprise you—it’s known for laying eggs in other birds’ nests!
But what’s really interesting is its “gurgle” or “bubble” sounds during courtship. These sounds are like gentle rain, mimicking the soothing pattern of water droplets.
Conclusion
Nature’s music is full of diverse and fascinating melodies, and these three birds—the Swainson’s Thrush, the American Bittern, and the Brown-headed Cowbird—bring a special note to the symphony with their mimicry of water droplets. Whether you’re a bird expert or just a curious explorer, listening to these birds can bring joy and a deep appreciation for the wonders of the natural world. So, the next time you’re out in nature, take a moment to enjoy the soothing sounds of birds that echo the calmness of falling water.
