bird call: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1neutral
Quick answer
What does “bird call” mean?
The distinctive natural sound made by a bird.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The distinctive natural sound made by a bird; a vocalisation used for communication among birds.
1) The imitation of a bird's sound made by a human, often using a small instrument. 2) In ornithology, a specific recorded vocalisation used to attract or study birds.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Birdcall' (one word) is occasionally used in American English but the two-word form is standard.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes nature, wildlife, and peaceful outdoors. In British English, it may be slightly more associated with hobbies like birdwatching.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English due to the popularity of birdwatching (birding) as a pastime.
Grammar
How to Use “bird call” in a Sentence
hear + bird callidentify + bird by + its bird calluse + a bird call + to attractVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bird call” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He can bird-call so well, he attracts robins.
- We spent the afternoon bird-calling in the woods.
American English
- He can birdcall well enough to fool the local sparrows.
- They went birdcalling at dawn.
adjective
British English
- The bird-call identification app is very useful.
- He has extensive bird-call knowledge.
American English
- Her birdcall recognition skills are impressive.
- It was a birdcall recording device.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not typically used. Might appear in eco-tourism marketing.
Academic
Used in ornithology, zoology, and ecology papers.
Everyday
Common in casual conversation about nature, gardens, and walks in the countryside.
Technical
Specific term in ornithology and sound recording.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bird call”
- Using 'bird call' to refer to a phone call (incorrect). Confusing 'bird call' (sound) with 'birdcage' (object).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Standard British and American English use the two-word form 'bird call'. The hyphenated form 'bird-call' is used when it functions as a verb or adjective before a noun. 'Birdcall' as one word is occasionally seen but less standard.
Technically, 'birdsong' is a more complex, often melodious vocalisation used primarily by male songbirds for mating and territory. A 'bird call' is broader, encompassing all vocal sounds birds make, including simple alarm or contact calls.
Yes, the term can refer to the act or sound of a human mimicking a bird, often with a whistle or other device, especially in the context of hunting or birdwatching.
Yes, it's a common term for anyone discussing nature, birds, or outdoor experiences. It's more specific than just saying 'bird sound'.
The distinctive natural sound made by a bird.
Bird call is usually neutral in register.
Bird call: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɜːd ˌkɔːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɝːd ˌkɑːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He's got a bird call down pat.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
BIRD CALL rhymes with 'word fall' - imagine words falling from a bird's beak as sounds.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS BIRDSONG (e.g., 'her speech was a cheerful bird call').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a bird call in nature?