How do birds make music without their voices?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How do birds make music without their voices?

The Big Idea

Not every bird sound comes from a voice! Some birds drum, thump, and whistle. How do they make music without voices?

Drumming

Step one: Drumming. A woodpecker drums on a hollow tree to make a loud rat-a-tat. It's a way to say, this is my spot.

Wing Thumps

Step two: Wing Thumps. A ruffed grouse beats its wings so fast that they make a deep, drum-like thump. You can feel it as much as hear it.

Whistling Feathers

Step three: Whistling Feathers. The snipe dives through the air, and its stiff tail feathers whistle in the wind. Some hummingbirds make a sharp chirp by fluttering their tail feathers.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Drums. Wing thumps. Tail whistles. Tail chirps.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Sounds made without a voice are called mechanical sounds. Hollow trees make the loudest drumming. Feathers can whistle in the wind. Fast wings make thumps.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Hold a sheet of paper by one corner. Snap it down quickly. Now flap it slowly. Compare the sounds. Birds make wing and feather sounds in a similar way.

Outro

Some bird sounds don't come from a voice. Woodpeckers drum on trees, ruffed grouse thump with their wings, and snipes and some hummingbirds make their tail feathers whistle or chirp. Science is amazing! Remember, every big discovery starts with a small question. Keep looking, keep learning, and keep asking why! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!