What's that bird saying?

Have you ever awakened at dawn to a chorus of birdsong and wondered what all the fuss was about?

Sally Roth, author of The Backyard Bird Lover's Ultimate How-To Guide, outlines three kinds of birdcalls every bird lover can learn to distinguish, no guide required.

All you have to do is listen, Roth says: “The more you listen to your birds, the more you'll understand them.”

Dominance. This is the most common and recognizable of the calls. A bird will repeat this song to claim his territory throughout nesting season. The robin's is a lilting tune that sounds something like “cheerily, cheer up, cheer up, cheerily, cheer up.”

Alarm. A bird will use this call when chasing off a predator or intruder. Though the noise will differ depending on which bird is sounding the alarm, the call is less melodic, sharper and more abrupt. “Once you start listening, you'll be able to hear the panic or scolding in the voice,” Roth says.

Love. When courting or singing to a mate, birds will occasionally sing a “whisper song.” Roth describes it as “a quiet, intimate piece of music that's utterly romantic.” But you may have to listen long and carefully for this one, because it's usually sung in private.