I heard a bird that sounded a constant beat like a metronome crotchet = c100 pitched around the E above middle C in Corsica many years ago, and have heard it again (probably not the same bird!) last week in Portugal. I am a composer and want to write a piece of music called "The Metronome Bird" I didn't see it so it remained elusive for the whole of my holiday. There were also different pitches and intervals but the main thing is that the beeping was constant and it usually did this early in the morning. Can anyone identify the bird please?
Pammy
Gives me something to think about over the weekend PC.Dont use the bird in this clip...its really boring! :-) P.S I play JSB better than this guy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=omXCoeRFTwQ
Hi Pammy, I think you have set us a formidable challenge. Unlike Edge I don't have any musical knowledge so the description you've given doesn't mean anything to me.
There are quite a few birds that make repetitive monotone calls. Just to start the ball rolling the so called "rain song" of the Common Chaffinch which is widespread throughout Europe is certainly monotonous and can go on for hours. Here's clip I've downloaded.
Play this audio clip
The tempo of the call is about 60bpm so somewhat slower than I think you were suggesting. Anything like what you heard?
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Tony
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Agree with TJ the Chiffchaff sounds a good candidate but my musical knowledge is limited to half a dozen guitar chords
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can
I have no musical talent what so ever, but maybe Cicada/cricket/grasshopper?
Hello Edgebander! Thank you so much for the youtube link, it was quicker that the bird I heard but along the same lines. Do you know what the bird is called and/or a picture of it? I liked the Bach link!
Hello TJ. I have often heard the Chaffinch do a descending rainfall. The one here has that lush quality, but the bird I heard had a more definite pitch and the beat was constant. Still searching for a picture and identification! Thanks for your help! Pammy
Oooooo hope not, I've got my heart set on it being a bird, and a beautiful one too!
Hi, I know it's been a long time since the original post, but I got asked a similar question by a friend of mine. Here in South Africa, Lesser Honeyguide is a possibility. Maybe look at the honeyguide (or similar species) calls.
10 years later but here we are! As a musician myself I was thrilled to find the exact description of the bird I was hearing (and am hearing at the moment). After a long search I think the bird you're hearing is the relatively rare Scops Owl.