Posted by Angela McCain on February 13, 2011 at 9:44 PM
I watched this mockingbird today as he sang his repertoire. I noticed that sometimes his beak was open, but sometimes it was closed and this area of feathers just under the beak (pictured here) moved-kind of fluttered- when he sang. There was really no difference in the volume of either of these notes. I was wondering if anyone knows about this.
Posted by Bill Chambers on February 13, 2011 at 10:09 PM
Angela, you've paid much closer attention to them than I. I seldom see them, but I love to listen to them. Many days I go out and sit in my truck during lunch and listen to one that seems to live close by my work. It has a beautiful voice that relaxes and soothes the soul - certainly good for stress. You pose an interesting question, and I'll be checking in from time to time to see if someone has an answer.
Angela, I must second Cindy's suggestion to see "The Life of Birds." If you have any interest in birds at all, this is a fascinating and engrossing series. Your mocker image is such a good one as it strikes a familiar pose - they are just so cheeky. Cindy, thanks for the informative explanation.
Posted by Rebecka on February 14, 2011 at 10:07 AM
As an aside, Starlings do the same thing (and also mimic all sorts of noises).
A friend and fellow avian rehabber has a "pet" Starling (perfectly legal because they are non-native, kept because the bird was injured and is not releasable), and the Starling makes all kinds of sounds (bells ringing, words and sentences) and mimics a cat meowing with his beak closed.
Posted by Angela McCain on February 15, 2011 at 8:47 PM
I have ordered The Life of Birds. Thank for theheads up.
Discussion
4 repliesA friend and fellow avian rehabber has a "pet" Starling (perfectly legal because they are non-native, kept because the bird was injured and is not releasable), and the Starling makes all kinds of sounds (bells ringing, words and sentences) and mimics a cat meowing with his beak closed.