Spring is a time for song. First the frogs, then the birds (or sometimes both at once), and eventually the insects. Each morning I've heard a plethora of birdsong, but by far one of my favorites is the Brown-headed Cowbird (
Molothrus ater). This answer might surprise some bird lovers who think of cowbirds as abhorrent creatures bent on dumping their offspring into the nests of their unsuspecting songbird neighbors. While this is true and to the layperson, this seems like a strange reason to like a bird, it isn't the primary reason. The main reason I like them is for the male's liquid song that tends to begin and end with a chatter. As such, while they try to be classy by having a sweet song, they ultimately give away their "trashy" origins by their brash, nattering calls.
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| The icterid Casanova sings from atop a tree... |
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| While delivering his courtship address, the male raises his shoulders and puffs up his back feathers. |
It can be said though that having such a variety of birdsong makes one more appreciative of the diversity that's out there. Over the past few mornings I've been fortunate enough to note the sharp name singing of the Eastern Phoebe (
Sayornis phoebe), the sing song warbles of the American Robin (
Turdus migratorius), the go-get-em song of the Carolina Wren (
Thryothorus ludovicianus), and the ping-pong ball symphony of the Field Sparrow (
Spizella pusilla).
With such a number of species and so little time in our busy lives to appreciate them, it's nice to be able to take the time to appreciate cowbird as another, but vital cast member in the grand springtime musical that is birdsong. Have a lovely weekend and as always, happy birding.
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