How to Make an Electronic Bird Call

Traditionally, bird watchers would hear a bird's sound and then try to imitate it to call birds closer. Birders might whistle or sing the bird's song, make a "shh" sound to call in birds, or use bird calls made out of metal with rosin that make a squeaking sound that attracts birds.



With the advent of the internet and our ability to research and download bird calls, our ability to accurately call birds electronically has increased. You can now download calls and songs and play them back when you are outside.

Things You'll Need

  • Computer
  • Internet connection
  • MP3 player
  • Mini speakers
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Instructions

  1. Research and Download Bird Songs and Calls

    • 1
      Search for the bird calls you would like to record.

      Open the internet. Determine what bird you would like to call. Search for that bird. Look for downloadable MP3 files of that bird's song and call. Many naturalist clubs like the Arizona Field Ornithologists have libraries of bird songs and calls.

    • 2
      Download the call to your computer.

      Click on the bird call and right click to download it to your computer.

    • 3
      Upload the bird call so you can now hear it on your MP3 player.

      Use your MP3 upload program to upload the bird call to your MP3 player.

    • 4

      If you would like to pre-load your MP3 player with more than one bird call, repeat the process above.

    Use Your Speakers to Broadcast Bird Calls

    • 5
      Choose a set of small speakers.

      Connect your speakers to your MP3 system. Some particularly small speakers include the Altec Lansing InMotion, RCA FSP200, Creative Travel Sound, and the Sony SRS series.

    • 6
      Hide so that birds will not be scared away.

      Go to a field or forested area where the bird you want to call usually lives. Use a bird blind or make yourself inconspicuous in the grass or trees.

    • 7
      Birds are often curious about calls and will come to visit.

      Choose the track that you would like to play. Press play. The bird call should play. Repeat this until you see birds arriving.