Blackbird Alarm Calls. (1 Viewer)

[T&E]

I read recently in a book written in the 1960s that Blackbirds use different alarm calls according to the threat. It says they give their "pink pink" note when bothered by an animal such as a cat or squirrel, and their "chuck" note when the threat is from a bird.
Has anyone else heard of this?

Regards,

Eileen.

 

[Brian Mertins]

Yes, it's quite common for birds to have different alarm calls for aerial predators vs. ground predators. Often the aerial alarm is high pitched while ground predators elicit a more low & broad frequency.

 

[gw4aurora]

Hi Eileen,

If the female is sitting on the nest and there is a predator about you will here the male give a screaching sound. During the winter months and breeding season when I'm putting sultanas out the Blackbirds give me 3 chucks which must mean contentment.

Chris

 

[T&E]

Brian & Chris,

Many thanks for your replies.
Interesting to know that birds have different alarm calls for different predators Brian,

Regards,

Eileen.

 

[Michael Billerbeck]

The high pitched aerial alarm call of a blackbird: