Birds have long been maligned for being dumb--hence the term "birdbrain"--but they're actually pretty smart. They can navigate thousand-mile migrations, they use tools, they solve problems, they recognize faces. And their songs for defending territory and attracting mates are complex. Interesting note: in temperate zones, the males sing and the females call; in tropical zones, males and females will often sing in "duet."
For today's purposes, I'll just mention how much I enjoy hearing my backyard birds sing, the occasional hooting of an owl if I'm very lucky, and even the screech of a blue jay.
Love this. You ought to check out John Green's podcast episode (Anthropocene Reviewed) where he discussed the Kauai O'o bird and its bygone birdsong. https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/anthropocene-reviewed/episodes/anthropocene-reviewed-qwerty-keyboard-and-kauai-o-o
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendation! I will check it out. I think the NYT did an article recently, too.
DeleteIt is a sure sign of spring. Weekends In Maine
ReplyDeleteIt's snowing here today, so I'll take your word for it :-)
DeleteIf you want to hear the most incredible birdsong, you have to listen to the Australian lyrebird. Here's a clip with David Attenborough - make sure you listen all the way through to hear just how remarkable these birds are!
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That is a truly amazing bird! And who doesn't love Sir David? Thanks for the clip!
DeleteSome birds are incredibly smart. Our front yard is full of magpies and crows. I love watching them!
ReplyDeleteThe Multicolored Diary
As I understand it, birds in the crow family--or corvids (not to be mistaken with Covid!)--tend to be very smart! I love the black and white of the magpies.
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