Voice of the Wild

Wildlife is all around us. Join Voice of the Wild every Friday to explore a new wild song. From time to time, we’ll also do a deep dive into wildlife science, news, and natural history. Subscribe for email updates at go.illinois.edu/SubscribeVoiceofWild.
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Latest Episode

Red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus).

The only midwestern woodpecker with a head that’s red from nape to throat. 

Episode 33: American Tree Sparrow – Voice of the Wild

American Tree Sparrow (Spizelloides arborea).

The quintessential winter sparrow and a reminder that, even after the leaves have fallen and the prairies turned gray and brown, there’s wildlife to hear in Illinois....

Episode 32: Golden-Crowned Kinglet – Voice of the Wild

Golden-crowned kinglet (Regulus satrapa). 

The golden-crowned kinglet is of our smallest birds and their sweet, high call is one of winter’s delights. 

Do you want to learn more bird songs, frog calls, and insect noises? Join Voice of the...

Episode 31: Pine Siskin – Voice of the Wild

Pine siskin (Spinus pinus). 

An unassuming winter visitor with a strongly ascending call. 

Join Voice of the Wild every Friday to explore a new wild voice. We’re available on most podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and...

Episode 30: Dark-Eyed Junco – Voice of the Wild

Dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis). 

Fleeing the chill of the arctic winter, the junco arrives in the Midwest just as our winds get brisk and the leaves start turning. Look for their little pale bill and white-edged tail as they pick beneath birdfeeders and flit...

Episode 29: White-Throated Sparrow – Voice of the Wild

White-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis). 

A big sparrow with unexpected biology and an easy song mnemonic. Look for the yellow spot just ahead of its eye, the namesake white throat, and white or tan stripes over the head. The white-throated sparrow...

Episode 28: White-Crowned Sparrow – Voice of the Wild

White-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys). 

A handsome winter visitor with a crisp cap and a sweet whistle. Look for them starting in October in undisturbed brushy habitats and neighborhoods with good, shrubby cover. While the white-crowned sparrow has...

Episode 27: Eastern Bluebird – Voice of the Wild

Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis). 

The beloved Eastern Bluebird is a conservation success story that shows the huge impact of dedicated conservation and stewardship actions. The bird’s musical and somewhat variable churring can be heard in scrubby meadows and...

Episode 26: Cedar Waxwing – Voice of the Wild

Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum). 

The Cedar Waxwing’s high-pitched call is often heard coming from hungry flocks visiting a local stand of fruit-bearing trees. Look out for their crisp black mask, strong yellow stripe at the end of their tail, and their...

Episode 25: Belted Kingfisher – Voice of the Wild

Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon). 

A kingfisher perched along the edge of a lake or stream is a common sight for anglers – besides perching, the kingfisher can also hover a few meters above the surface of the water as it watches for little fish. While you’...

Episode 24: Greater Anglewing – Voice of the Wild

Greater Anglewing, (Microcentrum rhombifolium).

Appropriately named, the greater anglewing has curiously rhombus-shaped wingcovers. These clicking insects emerge a few weeks after the common true katydids and add a strange stone-tapping sound to the grinding chorus...

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Keywords
Wildlife
Birds
Native Plants
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