Monday 15 May 2023

[Maine-birds] Blue Jay & Catbird mimicry of other mimics

Yesterday the Blue Jay (or one of them) that regularly does hawk imitations near the feeder was seen & recorded imitating the rapidly clicking "ratchet" sounds which the local Common Ravens sometimes make.  Just a few minutes later and not to be outdone, a Catbird singing from a nearby tree incorporated 2 perfect Blue Jay "queedles" into its song sequence, along with a Hairy Woodpecker's rattle and call note, as well as a Red-bellied Woodpecker call... all within a 42 second segment.  While Mockingbirds are usually the mimic thrush whose songs are noted for their variety, and Brown Thrashers sometimes have a vast repertoire as well, this Catbird's fidelity to its sources is remarkable to my ears.


Sean Smith
Hiram, ME

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