Songbirds

The dawn chorus

Songbirds — the passerines — are the warblers, finches, thrushes, and chickadees that fill spring mornings with sound. They're small, fast, and everywhere.

What to look for

shape      small, rounded, perching feet
call       the single best ID mark
color      spring plumage is brighter
best seen  edges, feeders, understory

Quick marks

Learn five calls and you'll "see" twice as many birds. A chickadee's name is its call; a warbler's song gives away its species before it breaks cover.