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Writer's pictureBirds of West Cobb

What are some top music hits related to birds?

Updated: Jun 23

I'm sure you have all heard the song "Rockin' Robin" by Bobby Day but what other songs related to birds can you think of? We put together this fun list that includes 5 or more bird-related songs from each decade starting with the 1950's. We hope you enjoy listening to them and feel free to list others in the comments below! Also, if you'd prefer we add some for earlier decades please let us know in the comments below!

Does our resident American Robin look Rockin' enough?
This Robin is likely looking out for the Jays on Jay Bird Street

1950's Bird-Related Songs

  1. "Rockin' Robin" by Bobby Day (1958): This one is an absolute classic with an upbeat rhythm to kick off the list. (Click here to download the song on Amazon Music!)

  2. "When the Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin' Along" by Harry Warren & Al Jolson (1955): A cheerful tune about the red robin. (Click here to download the song on Amazon Music!)

  3. "Mockin' Bird Hill" by Les Paul and Mary Ford (1953): This song features a sweet melody inspired by the sounds of mockingbirds.

  4. "Bird Dog" by The Everly Brothers (1958): While you may be more familiar with "Bye Bye Love", this one is more upbeat and of course, it's bird-related too! You can also download this one on Amazon Music with this link, enjoy!

  5. "Bluebirds Over the Mountain" by Ersel Hickey (1958): A softer, dreamier tune for bluebird enthusiasts. This one is also available for download here on Amazon Music.

A Northern Mockingbird fresh out of the bird bath
A Northern Mockingbird fresh out of the bird bath

1960's Bird-Related Songs

  1. We are pretty certain that if you've ever been to the beach, watched a classic surfing movie, or just enjoy surfing music you have heard the famous song "Surfin' Bird" by The Trashmen (from 1963): This is definitely a classic Surf rock anthem with infectious bird-related chants. Caution: You may actually get it stuck in your head like we did.

  2. "Birds" by Neil Young (1969): this is a late 60's Folk-rock style masterpiece with Neil Young's distinctive voice.

  3. "And Your Bird Can Sing" by The Beatles (Released in August 1966 on the Revolver Album): this song is fun and jovial and mentions "birds" multiple times.

  4. "Little Red Rooster" by Howlin Wolf (1962): this is classic Blues Track, and if you've never checked out Howlin Wolf you definitely should. They inspired none other than the Rolling Stones!

  5. "The Birds and the Bees" by Jewel Akens (1965): this track includes soulful, charming and catchy melodies.

An American Crow visits for some fresh mealworms
An American Crow visits for some fresh mealworms

1970's Bird Songs

  1. "Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd (1973): This classic Rock anthem is known near and far and includes a legendary guitar solo.

  2. "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley & The Wailers (1977): Reggae vibes and positive messages.

  3. "Fly Like an Eagle" by Steve Miller Band (1976): This Iconic track really aimed at capturing the spirit of freedom. You've probably heard this song at sporting events, in multiple movies and on your favorite classic rock station on FM radio or Sirius/XM.

  4. "Bird on the Wire" by Leonard Cohen (1971): Poetic and soulful addition.

  5. "Birdland" by Weather Report (1977): which is a "Jazz fusion" instrumental piece that you should definitely enjoy.

An Eastern Bluebird on a wire, or steel cable to be more precise.
An Eastern Bluebird on a wire, or steel cable to be more precise.

1980's Bird Songs

  1. "Black Crow" by Jamiroquai (1980): Smooth blend of funk and soul with avian inspiration.

  2. "The Bird" by The Time (1984): Funky track from the Purple Rain era.

  3. "Albatross" by Fleetwood Mac (1983): Instrumental piece letting you soar with the majestic albatross.

  4. "Cuckoo Cocoon" by Genesis (1981): Prog-rock journey featuring a nod to the cuckoo.

  5. "Wings of a Dove" by Madness (1983): Upbeat ska track with lighthearted avian theme.

A group of Mourning Doves line up for Breakfast @birdsofwestcobb
A group of Mourning Doves line up for Breakfast @birdsofwestcobb

1990's Bird Songs

  1. "Black Crow" by Beyond (1991): Rock anthem with a powerful chorus.

  2. "The Nightingales" by The Beautiful South (1994): Melodic track with a nod to enchanting nightingales.

  3. "Black Swan" by Thom Yorke (1998): Atmospheric and experimental piece inspired by black swans.

  4. "The Raven" by Alan Parsons Project (1990): Progressive rock track inspired by Edgar Allan Poe.

  5. "The Kingfisher" by Emily Portman (1994): Folk meets storytelling celebrating the vibrant kingfisher.

An Eastern Phoebe perches on a plate of mealworms in Winter
An Eastern Phoebe perches on a plate of mealworms in Winter

2000's Bird Songs

  1. "Birds" by Kate Nash (2007): Whimsical pop-infused track capturing the charm of birds.

  2. "Seagull" by Bad Company (2009): Rock anthem paying homage to the coastal beauty of seagulls.

  3. "Little Bird" by The Weepies (2006): Sweet and acoustic ode to little birds.

  4. "Swallow" by IAMX (2009): Electronic and alternative piece with a unique take on bird symbolism.

  5. "Magpie to the Morning" by Neko Case (2009): Hauntingly beautiful song featuring the clever magpie.

An adult European Starling perches in the morning light
A European Starling perches in the morning light

2010's Bird Songs

  1. "Blackbird Chain" by Beck (2014): Unique blend of folk and rock exploring the symbolism of blackbirds.

  2. "Birds" by Coldplay (2015): Dreamy and atmospheric track adding a touch of magic.

  3. "Bird Song" by M.I.A. (2016): Electronic and experimental piece with a global and bird-inspired vibe.

  4. "Bird Set Free" by Sia (2015): Powerful vocals in a song that feels like a bird breaking free.

  5. "The Owl and the Tanager" by Sufjan Stevens (2015): Gentle and folk-infused piece with a nod to the owl and tanager.

A Song Sparrow finds some seeds on the ground that the squirrels and chipmunks missed earlier
A Song Sparrow finds some seeds on the ground that the squirrels and chipmunks missed earlier

2020's Bird-Related Songs

  1. "Birdsong" by Claptone, Zola Blood (2020): A deep house track that infuses electronic beats with the magic of birdsong.

  2. "Sparrows" by Jason Mraz (2020): A heartfelt acoustic track celebrating the resilience and simplicity of sparrows.

  3. "Birds of Prey" by SZA (2020): R&B vibes with SZA's unique sound, exploring the theme of birds of prey.

  4. "Magpie" by BC Camplight (2021): An indie-pop track with a nod to the charming and clever magpie.

  5. "The Birds" by Protomartyr (2020): A post-punk track offering a unique take on the theme of birds.

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