Male Nightingale. The great horned owl and some swallows also whistle at night. 10 Nocturnal Birds Although some birds are truly nocturnal, many of the birds that we commonly describe as such are actually crepuscular meaning they are active during twilight. Nightingales are often thought of when a bird sings at night, but the bird you hear chirping after dark may be a mockingbird, a whip-poor-will or an owl. Other birds are diurnal but exhibit some nocturnal behaviour […] They may inspire you to walk outside in your slippers and pajamas to explore the nocturnal world of birds. This reader and his wife were constantly being woken at night by the loud calling of a Willie Wagtail in the tree outside their bedroom window. Part two of our new series to help you build your birding skills—and love of birds—by learning how to bird by ear. Whistling bird in the night The last few nights we have had a bird in our garden (in Blacktown, Sydney) that has a loud whistling song. However, it's not uncommon to hear a bird chirp in the middle of the night. These birds might be hard to spot but their sounds are easily identifiable by their three-syllable, sing-songy whistle. I recorded the song but not sure how to upload. Even owls, which are probably the most famous of all nocturnal birds, may be active during the day. Nightingales are often thought of when a bird sings at night, but the bird you hear chirping after dark may be a mockingbird, a whip-poor-will or an owl. Accents are on the first and last syllable, with a rise in the last. They can also be called 'nocturnal birds'. Anyone know what kind of bird/owl is making this noise? At night, nocturnal birds will forage for food or hunt for prey, preen, build nests, exhibit courtship behaviors, and do whatever other tasks are necessary for their survival. Same over and over and every 20 … Also, an owl, a mockingbird, or a whip-poor-will may also do this for their instinct. The great horned owl and some swallows also whistle at night. Why do birds chirp at night? Willie Wagtails calling at night - Trevor's Birding. Listen to some examples of these hauntingly beautiful nighttime sounds: Common Pauraque, Northern Saw-whet Owl, and Barn Owl. This bird can have more than 200 songs in its repertoire, and it might sing them all at night. It does this all night long! Your first encounter with a California Towhee may be prompted by a tireless knocking at your window or car mirror: these common backyard birds habitually challenge their reflections. Like a warning of sorts. Hello, For the last week or so I've been hearing this bird chirping from roughly after 10pm until about 4am. The male nightingale is known to sing for a very long time during night hours. 10 Nocturnal Birds Although some birds are truly nocturnal, many of the birds that we commonly describe as such are actually crepuscular meaning they are active during twilight. We like to think that owls only hoot, but these sound a lot like human whistles and are easy to copy.