serenading starling

[turlough]

I usually only see Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) in the summer but on my walk this morning I spotted this male singing his heart out:

Click to enlarge:

Comments

[kaishin108]

Are those the ones with the long songs? The ones that just go on and on early in the morning?

[turlough]

This is the first time I've heard one sing so I've no idea I'm afraid. I seem to remember reading that they're great mimics and can imitate all sorts of noises. This one definitely had a very varied repertoire.

[kaishin108]

Oh, they are mimics! How funny, thank you!

[turlough]

Yes, I've heard that the can do uncanny imitations of things like car alarms and mobile phones!

[kaishin108]

Oh! I didn't realize that. I just thought they mimicked other birds :-o