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Mimicking Bird Songs

Editor — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 08:35:38 +0000

Each bird species has its own unique sound and song, and for centuries human hunters have been devising whistles or perfecting their own whistling techniques to mimic the calls of birds. But until recently, this art was not fool proof. Now, using a rubber tube, physicists have been able to create device that imitates bird calls and, when played back, is almost the exact reproduction of the original bird call. Their simple device has proven to be a breakthrough in the mimicking of bird calls and songs, and is still being researched as they wish to improve on their device.

Different species of birds have calls that are exclusive to that species and which young birds learn from their parents. By studying the physics of bird calls and the vocal tract of birds, physicists from Harvard University, located in Massachusetts, have been able to create a simple controller to mimic certain bird calls. The rubber tube that is used is created to resemble the vocal tract of the specific bird. Then, with the assistance of a linear motor, pressure is put on the tube to resemble the contracting of the muscles, and together with the airflow produced, the researchers have been able to mimic the songs of birds. The device can be used to mimic a variety of bird calls and the patterns created by the device are as harmonious as those of real birds. Many scientists have suggested that young birds learning bird calls has a lot to do with neurological shifts, as the bird ages, but graduate student Aryesh Mukherjee from the Mahadevan Laboratory believes that the secrets to bird calls lay in the vocal tracts of each bird.

Other avenues of studying bird calls and how to mimic them are also being pursued, and Shreyas Mandre is in charge of creating digital bird calls. Working within the laboratory, this researcher is making use of mathematical models that are also very close to the real bird calls. But it is believed that with more research and time, the art or mimicking bird calls can be perfected.

Activities

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:50:35 +0000

The main bird related activity that people engage in is that of bird watching, an activity that continues to increase in popularity with people all over the world showing renewed appreciation for the wonders of nature. Bird watching is a relatively inexpensive hobby and there are always opportunities to spot new bird species. One way to watch birds is to attract them to your garden. You can attract birds by providing food, water and shelter for them.

Use your bird guide to identify birds by looking at their general outline/shape, coloration, eye color, leg and bill color, behavior and considering the habitat that they are in. Listening to bird calls and sounds will assist you in identifying them. The more bird watching you do, the easier it will become to identify the bird species in your area. So don’t delay – get out there and spot some birds!

Bird Calls and Sounds

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:50:35 +0000

It truly is amazing to wake up in the morning to the sound of birds twittering and chirping in the fresh dawn air. Bird calls are a language of their own and are carefully uttered to convey important messages. Bird sounds are a great form of communication as they can be heard even when the “speaker” is not seen or is a far way off.

Bird sounds are separated into songs and calls. Bird calls are simple notes produced by males and females throughout the year. The sound of bird song is more elaborate and musical, telling other birds: “This is my territory”. Different bird calls are sounded for different purposes. Contact calls keep birds in a flock aware of each others whereabouts. However in large colonies it is important to also have breeding calls which are recognized by mates, parents and young. Alarm calls attract other birds to assist in attacking predators and stopping their silent approach.

Bird song is especially important at the beginning of the breeding season, and is also prominent before migrating or when stopping along the way. Certain species defend their territory all year round and thus sing continually, and in some cases both male and female will sing for this purpose. Bird song is most effective in the morning as sound travels farther in the still air. Birds will often perch on high, exposed positions to make their voices heard, as this reduces interference from surrounding bush and allows the sound to travel more effectively.

A fascinating bird sound is that of the lyretailed honeyguide of Central Africa. This bird will fly above the tree tops whilst singing; it then spirals down from these great heights. Whilst spiraling its tail vibrates and the wind blowing through its spiky feathers sounds like a loud drum. This sound can be heard over a great distance.

Many people listen to recordings of bird calls and use these in identifying birds as each bird has unique calls and sounds. So next time you listen to birds calling outside your window, consider what message they are trying to convey.

The Marvelous Mimicry of the Lyrebird

Editor — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:03:20 +0000

There are two species of the ground-dwelling Australian Lyrebird: the Superb Lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae) and the Albert’s Lyrebird (Menura alberti). The Superb Lyrebird is the larger of the two species and is found in the wet forest areas of New South Wales and Victoria, as well as in Tasmania where is was introduced by man in the 19th century. The Albert’s Lyrebird is found exclusively in a small area of rainforest in Southern Queensland. Albert’s Lyrebird was named in honor of Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert.

Australia’s Lyrebirds are wary creatures which dodge and run through forest underbrush in an attempt not to be seen. Although they do not fly as such, their wings assist them in running and jumping up onto rocks and into low branches where they roost at night.

The male lyrebird’s tail, when it is displayed, resembles a lyre (harp-like musical instrument) with the two outer large brown and white feathers forming the frame and the thinner inner feathers resembling the strings, resulting in the name of Lyrebird. Apart from the male’s unusual tail feathers, the lyrebird is a rather unremarkable looking bird, about the size of a chicken and brown in color. In mating season, however, this feathered suitor puts on a display that his prospective mate finds irresistible. In order to be seen clearly, he piles up a small heap of soil, which he stands on. Then he spreads his tail up and over his head in the distinctive lyre shape at the beginning of his courtship dance. As he is dancing about he sings his own song, as well as mimicking other birds and various surrounding noises.

This ability to mimic just about anything, from the call of any other bird to artificial sounds, is what really sets the lyrebird apart from the other birds in their area. It is not uncommon for people to be fooled into thinking that they are enjoying the singing of many species of birds, only to find that it is the lyrebird going through its very impressive repertoire. The lyrebird’s vocal chords (syrinx) are the most complex of all songbirds, facilitating its vast vocal range. Lyrebirds have been heard to mimic all the bird species in their surroundings, including flocks of birds. It has been reported to successfully mimic chain saws, car alarms, car engines, fire alarms, dogs barking, camera shutters, rifle shots, crying babies and songs played on various musical instruments. The male lyrebird is the more vocal of the sexes, although the female does have the same ability to mimic.

Clearly, this elusive bird is a marvel and should you be fortunate enough to hear one, you will surely remember it forever.

Gilbert White – A Highly Esteemed Ornithologist

Editor — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 09:29:00 +0000

Gilbert White is considered by many to be the father of ecology and field ornithology. Although his works were penned in the 1700′s, they remain vital reading for all ecologists. Indeed, Gilbert White has left an indelible mark on the world of natural sciences.

How is it that this humble man came to be such a great name in ecology?

Gilbert White is well-known for his exceptional skills of observation as well as his talent for writing. In 1768 he read a publication by Daines Barrington entitled “The Naturalist’s Journal”. This journal was particularly designed as a record book in which observations could be made regarding the various seasons and their effects on animal and plant life. Over time, White corresponded with Barrington, as well as renowned zoologist Thomas Pennant which lead and inspired White to begin writing his famous book “Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne”. This 20-year project contained Gilbert’s observations as he described in his letters to Pennant and Barrington. Whilst the content was always factual, by writing in an “informal letter form” White could include narrative and theories. “Natural History and Antiquities of Selbourne” has remained in print ever since it was first published.

Many of Gilbert White’s observations related to birds, hence his great regard amongst Ornithologists. He was a firm believer in observing birds in the field rather than the collection of specimens for study in a laboratory. By following that technique, White was able to dispel up a number of misunderstandings about birds. For example, White was able to identify the Wood Warbler, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler as three separate bird species through their songs. This application of his observational techniques as part of ornithology introduced the discipline or distinguishing birds by means of their distinctive calls and not just physical appearance. As an ornithologist Gilbert White also discovered that birds make use of camouflage after he studied the coloration and pattern of plumage on stone curlews. White is also credited with marking out the lineage of the domestic pigeon back to the rock dove.

Gilbert White certainly left a fine example for all naturalists. His brilliant, accurate observations and systematic recordings have inspired many interested in natural sciences. White’s amazing contributions to ecology and the study of birds will continue to be praised for many years to come and used as pertinant bird education material.

Loons Haunting Calls

Editor — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 08:34:59 +0000

Visitors to northern-hemisphere lakes often hear loons (known as divers in Europe and Asia). Most of the 5 loon species make haunting, wailing calls that, once heard, are difficult to forget.

Loons are among the best of the diving birds. They can dive up to 75m underwater, hunting for fish. They can stay under for up to 8 minutes.

Loons aren’t the most graceful creatures out of the water, however. Their feet are set far back on their bodies, making walking difficult. On land, loons often prefer to scoot along on their bellies. Also, when taking off, loons need a long runway of open water, in order to get up enough speed to get their heavy bodies airborne.

Loons build their nests close to water, in boreal and arctic lakes. Conservationists are concerned about loons, since many loon nests have failed in recent decades. Acid rain reduced the fish supply in many of their nesting lakes. Also, persistent boat traffic can spook parents off their nests, or create waves that swamp the nests.

Luckily, loons are not currently endangered. With more public awareness and better regulations on industrial pollution, we may still get to hear the loon’s memorable, haunting calls.

Identifying Birds By Sound

Editor — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 09:30:20 +0000

Birds are very talented vocalists. They recognize each other over long distances and through thick shrubbery, using their voices. With a little practice, humans can also learn to recognize birds by their songs or calls.

Bird-watchers often identify birds just by their voice. This is usually because birds are more often heard than seen. But in some bird species, even a good look won’t help you identify them. For instance, North America’s Alder and Willow flycatchers look identical, but have very different voices. Most observers can’t identify them until the bird begins to sing.

Hunters and scientists also learn bird calls- to lure in ducks or to tally what bird species live in the area.

Interested in learning bird voices yourself? While your written field guide may describe the sounds, it’s best to learn by ear. Obtain a tape, CD, or online resource that has recordings of the birds in your area. Start by listening carefully to recordings of the most common birds. Then head outside to see if this helps you recognize these birds.

Once you have the common birds down, you can begin to work on more unusual songs. It takes practice. But you may soon be able to recognize your local birds as easily as you recognize a friend’s voice on the phone.