Blackbird song (2 Viewers)

[highspeedbirder]

I have 2 Blackbirds that are regularly singing recognisably distinct musical phrases. I only have to listen for a minute or two and they sing the phrase. Both are different. One less than ten notes the other between 10-20. I do not recognise the tune they are singing however. One has been singing its particular phrase since 2016.
I have heard Blackbirds in the past using lorry reversing sounds and trill phones (1990s), but not what could be described as musical phrases.
I had thought the one singing since 2016 might have picked up a tune from the neighbours regular outside entertainment during the summer. Not sure where the latest one has come from as the entertainment has stopped since somebody complained last year.
No doubt plenty of you have heard similar or may be not?

 

[PYRTLE]

I used to have a Starling that incorporated a 1990s trim / trill phone too. Amount of times I went rushed to answer my non telephone. Not found mimics amongst Blackbirds yet though some of the phrase ends are individual.

 

[pppppvvvv]

Yes, we have one that sounds like the first line of the American National anthem, (which we first noticed around the time of the Olympics!).
Another appears to start with the not so classic hit "Barbie girl"!
This spring we have been treated to the Laurel and Hardy theme tune.

Never worked out if they are individuals, or if they all have the 3 lines in their repertoire.
There's probably a PhD to be had there!

 

[highspeedbirder]

Yes I have been whistling the cuckoo waltz whilst out in the garden but not been picked up by the Blackbirds yet.
Definitely 2 separate birds here.

 

[Andy Adcock]

Yes, we have one that sounds like the first line of the American National anthem, (which we first noticed around the time of the Olympics!).
Another appears to start with the not so classic hit "Barbie girl"!
This spring we have been treated to the Laurel and Hardy theme tune.

Never worked out if they are individuals, or if they all have the 3 lines in their repertoire.
There's probably a PhD to be had there!

There probably is, it's the first I've ever heard of any Turdus being a mimic and was somewhat patronisingly, going to suggest to the OP that the bird was a Starling not a Blackbird.

 

[highspeedbirder]

Hi Andy
Yes agree I would say the same but having been listening to Blackbirds for over 50 years its why I thought it interesting.
Whether its mimicking or tending to sing a tune more akin to what a human calls a tune I don't know. Have been trying to record them both on my mobile. Have one but the other not near enough yet.