A Mockingbird |
In this, the bird is like a lyrebird. You often don't see a lyrebird but can tell it's there, because it runs through its repertoire at full volume.
I imagine this is due to sexual selection - the males attract mates according to the quality of their mimicry, and as with most woodland birds, territory is marked by the volume of space the caller(s) can fill with his/her/their calls. Since the lyrebird is a pretty big critter, they really go up to 11, to attract the chicky-babes.
It struck me as cool that this could be used to differentiate what is otherwise perfect mimicry ... a bit like the "Tell me about your mother" test in Bladerunner.
Mocking bird? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJUQ9-0qqrg
ReplyDeleteAt Wentworth Falls today, your Satin Bowerbirds were flitting in and out of the undergrowth sending Frodo insane chasing them. One of them ( I am pretty sure it was them) was making the sound of a whirring drill - for extended periods like up to 30 seconds. I've been trying to find something on the internet to confirm it but haven't managed to locate anything. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xnuPDvbtyk
Also a lovely pair of Eastern Rosellas grazing.
Do you remember what we decided as the identify of the bird that made that horrific screeching and groaning at Glenhaven?
Actually the whirring noise I was referring to is heard quite clearly in this sound map.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.naturesoundmap.com/listing/satin-bowerbird/