Forget the likes of Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez, we want to know who your Top of Pops ‘bird’ songster is. Birds not only use their song to attract a mate, but also to proclaim a territory. We’ve picked a Top 10 for you to choose from. Some songs are melodic, others wistful and haunting – I am sure you all have a favourite. To help you decide, here’s a snippet about each bird, with a link to their songs.Great titTo match my rather natty yellow and black garb, I have a charming two syllable song, amongst other calls. The largest of the tit family, I am surely a winner!
ChiffchaffWhat’s in a name, well a mighty fine song for a start. I may not wow the crowds with my plumage, but I can coin a tune!
BlackcapJust call me the Northern nightingale!StarlingSure I can do cover versions, but my song is second to none.
Willow warblerI might look like a Chiffchaff, but one thing that defines us is my melodic song.DunnockI’m no Robin red breast or Jenny wren. I might skulk in the undergrowth, but when I sing I give it my all.Song thrushI might repeat myself, but you won’t forget my song in a hurry.BlackbirdI’ve got one word for you – mellow. That’s me.GoldfinchLiquid gold.
RobinIf my red chest doesn’t wow you, then my song sure will.
Its a one bird race this .. another vote for Blackbird. ;o)
Ant
"IT IS SAID THAT LIFE FLASHES BEFORE YOUR EYES BEFORE YOU DIE. THAT IS TRUE, IT'S CALLED LIVING."Death - Terry Pratchett (The Last Continent).
What no vote for the Robin?
Patricia M said: Where are the clangers?
Where are the clangers?
The soup dragon told them to can it!!
:-))
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LOL :)
Out of that lot, it has to be Robin. My real favourites are:
Nightingale (astounding richness and passion, sounds like it has its own personal auditorium)
Skylark (the perfect lazy-sunny-day soundtrack)
Swallow (the alternative perfect lazy-sunny-day soundtrack)
Curlew (enchanting, haunting, evocative of wildness)
Sedge Warbler (insane, inventive babble of pure energy)
Nightjar (magical, mysterious, weirdly atmospheric)
Cetti's Warbler (such forceful, fruity, emphatic notes, so at odds with the bird's skulky nature)
Snipe drumming (OK, not a song sung with the voice, but I like weird noises and I also like kazoos)
Woodlark (lovely plaintive throbbing notes, that gave rise to the prettiest scientific name ever)
Black Redstart (fair enough, not the most exciting song, but I love hearing it because this is my favourite species, and I'd love to know how it makes that weird pebble-grinding noise)
My blog: http://mazzaswildside.blogspot.co.uk/
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Well done Aiki, i agree with you about Curlews - such an haunting sound and the sound of the Skylark near to where I live reminds me that nature finds a way even it is right on top of the M1! Perhaps I should have done a top 40!
Some good ones there Kat! Heard my first drumming snipe last year on Mull and it is an amazing sound!
Certainly one of my fave 'calls' is the cuckoo! Makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up! Not heard any this year in Shropshire unfortunately but did hear some in Cornwall and Italy!
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
My photos on Flickr
Some of my favourites :)
Curlew (sorry about the clangers)
Nightjar
Swift
Maggies cackling
Red kite (a brilliant otherwordly whistle, only ever heard it at llandeusant)
It's both what you do and the way that you do it!
You cannot fly like an eagle with the wings of a wren. William Henry Hudson (1841 - 1922)
I can see we are going to have to include the 'clangers' in a mystery 'what animal are they' poll sometime soon!
My vote went to the little Robin that sings a beautiful song most evenings from the top of the neighbour's conifer
Best wishes Chris
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"] I can see we are going to have to include the 'clangers' in a mystery 'what animal are they' poll sometime soon!
Yes, and I'd like to know what they look like during the moult. I haven't seen one moult yet and I've been watching clangers for years.
Seriously thinking about trying harder!
MrsT - you can't do that now because you've given the game away by saying that lol
I think I'll get the clangers DVD for my nephew lol (after watching it myself first of course!)
Millie & Fly the Border Collies