Katydid Sounds: How to identify these common noises heard at night!

Once you know what to listen for, katydid sounds and calls are easy to identify at night!

Their mating calls are common to hear at night during mid to late summer. Listen for a loud, rasping pulse that is two, three, or four notes in length.

Many people think they are hearing cicadas when they hear this sound, but cicadas only call during the day. Katydids ONLY call at night, and the sound is very distinctive and is easy to also tell apart from crickets.

Believe it or not, it sounds like katydids are saying their name. A handy mnemonic to use is "ka-ty-did" or "ka-ty."

There are hundreds of katydid species found in North America, but this particular song is only made by the Common True Katydid (Pterophylla camellifolia). It is found in the eastern half of North America.

In addition, this particular katydid sound can vary depending on location. The song you are listening to was recorded in Ohio. As you move south or west, Common True Katydids sing different variations.

These mating songs are not created with vocal cords, but instead with forewings, which they rub together to make the sound.

It's rare to actually see a Common True Katydid. They live high at the tops of trees and blend in well with their surroundings. They rarely come down to the ground since they can't fly!

You may get lucky and see this species walking or hopping on the ground during breeding season looking for a mate.

Видео Katydid Sounds: How to identify these common noises heard at night! канала Bird Watching HQ