Monday 23 January 2012

Preening singers


On most days, in the late afternoon, a pair of spotted catbirds perches in the Melicope tree. They sing elaborate songs, engaging in call and response with each other and with catbird pairs in neighbouring territories. These songs have many elements: a bell-like tink, metallic chattering and the characteristic 70s experimental synth caterwauling. I love catbird calls, but the birds can certainly project.

They often intersperse their singing with grooming. Who says they are lousy singers?