A Song with Purpose Exhibit

A Song with Purpose Exhibit

A Song with Purpose

From before dawn to after dusk, wild voices rise all around the marsh. Each species communicates with its own repertoire of songs and calls. Some sing to attract mates while others call out to warn intruders to stay away. Whose songs do you hear today? 

Red Winged Blackbird

The Ojibwe word for Red-winged Blackbird is “Miskiwinigwii Asiginaak.” 

Perched among the cattails and rushes, these marsh-nesting birds are easy to identify and their bold “O-ka-Le-EE!!” call is unmistakable.  

White-throated Sparrow

The Ojibwe word for White-throated Sparrow is “Aanak.” 

These forest birds sing a series of sweet whistles, sometimes described as “Oh, sweet Canada, Canada, Canada.” 

Common Yellowthroat

From their wetland shrub habitat, these black-masked warblers sing a sharp “WICH-ety, WICH-ety, WICH-ety.” 

Northern Spring Peeper

The Ojibwe word for Northern Spring Peeper is “Giziibwewed.” 

These tiny frogs call out a high-pitched “Peep! Peep! Peep!” The louder and faster the male frog peeps, the more likely he is to impress the females.

Northern Green Frog

The Ojibwe word for Northern Green Frog is “Nitaagabi Omakakii.” 

In spring mating season, these large frogs sing a low-pitched plunking song like a plucked banjo string “Clung!”