Decoding the calls

The program can isolate the unique characteristics of each thrush species into algorithms much like voice recognition software. After processing, individual calls become more pronounced.

"It still may always take a human to review the results, but it should eliminate all the steps of having to sit and listen and watch the thing go by on the screen," says Rosenberg.

That means more researchers can work on night flight call projects more quickly. That data should reveal what species are flying where and when.

Developing a knowledge base of various migration flight paths and characteristics will help scientists advise airbases and airports of the best routes and times to fly to avoid large flocks of birds.

The information can also impact plans for wind turbine farms and communication towers, so they're not placed where migrating birds will fly into them. And, Rosenberg says, it will help environmentalists better gauge another pressing issue:

"Birds are very sensitive indicators of the health of the overall environment. In terms of their migration, knowing whether the timing of their migration is shifting from year to year is one of the best clues that global warming is actually happening."

A prototype of the software will be ready in approximately a year to 18 months.