Birding/song rehearsal

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Expert: - 3/23/2007


Question
I observed a blackbird that was partially hidden behind a bush in Wimbledon UK.  It was singing quietly, as if to itself.  Is this a kind of rehearsal before singing loud and clear?  Also is this common behaviour for blackbirds and other songbirds?

Thanks,  Colin

Answer
Colin - It is most likely a young songbird, hatched last year, who is practicising his song. Young birds do not perfect their song until the following spring after their hatching. This is when they hear the adults sing the full song. ROger Lederer at ORnithology.com

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Roger Lederer

Expertise

Any and all about WILD birds - the science of ornithology. Information about birdwatching, ecology, conservation, migration, behavior, banding, rehabilitation, feeding, songs, binoculars, identification, and careers in ornithology. No questions about pet or caged birds, please.

Experience

Have a PhD and over forty years as a professional ornithologist - research, teaching, author, speaker, webmaster of Ornithology.com . Have written thirty scientific papers, three bird field guides, a textbook in ecology and two recent books entitled "Amazing Birds" and "Birds of New England". Have traveled to over 90 countries watching birds.

Education/Credentials
PhD in Zoology/Ornithology; Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences; former Dean of the College of Natural Sciences at California State University, Chico

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