What type of song does a bird sing? – Animal Behaviour Zone

Question: What type of song does a bird sing?
- Keywords:
  bird song
Asked by Martina to Rupert, Carrie, Ellen on 9 Mar 2017. This question was also asked by Emma, Robbo+Homingpigeon :).
- Rupert Marshall answered on 9 Mar 2017:
  
  Different species of birds sing different songs. Mainly it’s the males that sing – females usually just give simple calls. The more complex and difficult the song is, the more likely it is aimed at females to attract them as a mate. Songs can also be used to defend a territory. Sometimes one part of the song is aimed at other males and other parts are aimed at females (like in blackcaps). Sedge warblers stop singing as soon as a female chooses them – the song seems mainly aimed at finding a mate. Great tit song is used to defend territories and attract mates. Hope that helps!
  And here’s a short video I took of a corn bunting singing – sorry it’s a bit out of focus!
- Ellen Williams answered on 16 Mar 2017:
  
  I think birds sing bird songs 🙂 Rupert is the expert and he has given a great answer below!
- Carrie Ijichi answered on 17 Mar 2017:
  
  In the words of a cartoon I saw – the sing “the song of their people”!

Question: What type of song does a bird sing?