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

Episode 48: Ruby-Crowned Kinglet – Voice of the Wild

March 28, 2025

Ruby-crowned kinglet (Corthylio calendula).

The kinglet that hides its crest (most of the time).

Episode 47: Spring Peeper – Voice of the Wild

March 21, 2025

Spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer).

The early-spring frog with a sharp birdlike call.

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

Episode 46: American Woodcock – Voice of the Wild

March 14, 2025

American woodcock (Scolopax minor).

The most peculiar of all our shorebirds with a display that is among the surest signs of spring.

Do you want to learn more bird songs, frog calls, and...

Episode 45: Boreal Chorus Frog – Voice of the Wild

March 7, 2025

Boreal chorus frog (Pseudacris maculata).

The northern early-spring frog with a call like a fingernail running down the teeth of a plastic comb.

Do you want to learn more bird songs,...

Episode 44: Killdeer – Voice of the Wild

February 28, 2025

Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus).

An adaptable shorebird with a solitary lifestyle that puts it in range of our everyday life.

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

Episode 43: Common Grackle – Voice of the Wild

February 21, 2025

Common grackle (Quiscalus quiscula).

An adaptable blackbird with an explosive and sometimes grating song.

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

Episode 42: Red-Winged Blackbird – Voice of the Wild

February 14, 2025

Red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus).

An iconic resident blackbird who’s growing numbers warn of spring’s approach.

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

Bonus: First Signs of Spring – Voice of the Wild

February 7, 2025

First Signs of Spring

What are the first and most reliable signs of spring? In this episode we’re giving voice to the plants and animals that manage to break through winter's chill to warn of the spring ahead. This episode features both wildlife...