Bird that sounds like it's saying "Aujourd'HUI"? or like "Oh-Orr-EEEE" :) (4 Viewers)

[Margaret P.]

Hi everyone! I live in Northern Virginia and have been wondering forever about the identity of a specific bird I have been hearing in my yard and local parks for several years. It seems most active in the spring, and it's song sounds like "aujourd'hui" (French word for today, or for non-french speakers, like oh-Orr-EEEEE)? The first syllable starts a bit lower, then it raises with each syllable and also intensity to the end (if you played it on a piano, its like middle E, A, then E one octave higher, and the "EEEE" is louder and carried out longer. I have seen one once, and it was a small, unassuming plain brown bird. My family is also dying to know. Anyone have any ideas? I looked up the Carolina Wren, and while we have those too, I don't think that's it. Thank you!

 

[Kits]

Welcome to Birdforum. I hope you enjoy your visits.

I’m sorry I can’t help but hopefully someone will know.

 

[KC Foggin]

Hi there Margaret and a warm welcome to you from those of us on staff here at BirdForum
We're glad you found us and thanks for taking a moment to say hello. Please join in wherever you like

Is there any way you can record the call and upload it here? That would help tremendously.

 

[delia todd]

Hi Margaret and a warm welcome from me too.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I hope to hear about all the birds you see when out and about.

 

[abirdingguy]

Check out Red-winged Blackbird. They have a song that sounds like what you are describing, although it can be tricky to tell sometimes based on a written description. The females and young can be brownish and rather nondescript. Look at a picture of a male as they are cool looking and should be easier to recognize if you encounter one.

 

[Jeff Hopkins]

Either that or Eastern Towhee. Most people describe the song as "drink your TEA!!!" but it might fit your mnemonics.

 

[Margaret P.]

Check out Red-winged Blackbird. They have a song that sounds like what you are describing, although it can be tricky to tell sometimes based on a written description. The females and young can be brownish and rather nondescript. Look at a picture of a male as they are cool looking and should be easier to recognize if you encounter one.

OMG, YES!! That is it! It's a female Red-Winged Blackbird. I see and hear the males around too, but the different brown appearance of the female totally threw me off. Mystery solved, thank you so much!