“Here are clips of uncommonly heard sub-songs of 2 common species – Asian Glossy Starling (Aplonis panayensis) and Olive-winged Bulbul (Pycnonotus plumosus).
“Asian Glossy Starlings frequently descend into the trees opposite my house in large noisy flocks, but it is an uncommon sight to see one in my garden, and even more special to see it singing a soft sub-song this evening…
“Also saw this Olive-winged Bulbul singing in the evening, for a few minutes, by the water’s edge at Macritchie Reservoir :
“Sub·song – ‘an unstructured, often rambling vocalization of low volume heard in young birds and, at the start of the breeding season, in adult birds of certain species.’ – LINK.
“Other interesting online references :
LINK 1; LINK 2; LINK 3; LINK 4; LINK 5 and LINK 6.”
Lena Chow
Singapore
29th April 2012
Laurie Morris
Hi. I live in the UK in an apartment at the top of an old house. For six years, I have had Starling neighbours and thoroughly enjoy being able to hear and observe them close up. I’ve noticed that as well as trills and other short ‘riffs’ of tuneful phrases, they add ‘found sounds’ they collect. These have included: my mobile phone ringtone, a car alarm, a bicycle bell, and yesterday, the bark of a fox! i wondered if you know any groups who might be interested in my input, as I guess these Starlings are a different type to the ones here. (Beautiful film clips, thanks!)
Best wishes, Laurie.