Birds of the Week # 48

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) is a medium-sized New World sparrow. Among the native sparrows in North America, it is easily one of the most abundant, variable and adaptable species. A 2022 study by Duke University also found that male song sparrows memorize a 30-minute long playlist of their songs and use that information to curate both their current playlist and the following one. The findings suggest that male song sparrows deliberately shuffle and repeat their songs possibly to keep a female’s attention.

Northern Mockingbird

Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) is a mockingbird commonly found in North America. This bird is mainly a permanent resident, but northern birds may move south during harsh weather. The northern mockingbird is known for its intelligence. A 2009 study showed that the bird was able to recognize individual humans, particularly noting those who had previously been intruders or threats. Also birds recognize their breeding spots and return to areas in which they had greatest success in previous years. Urban birds are more likely to demonstrate this behavior.

Pine Warbler

Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) is a small songbird of the New World warbler family. They forage slowly on tree trunks and branches by poking their bill into pine cones. These birds also find food by searching for it on the ground. These birds mainly eat insects, seeds and berries.

9 thoughts on “Birds of the Week # 48”

jmankowsky on April 19, 2022 at 4:09 pm said:

Hmmmm…I looked up Pine Warblers, and found that they are common in Massachusetts, but found high in the pines of the woodlands. I’ll be on the lookout! Happy Spring!

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- H.J. for avian101 on April 19, 2022 at 5:08 pm said:
  
  Happy Spring? It was in the 30’s degrees this morning in Georgia.
  I’m sure you would like Pine Warblers. Thank you, Julie. 🙂
  
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  - jmankowsky on April 19, 2022 at 6:30 pm said:
    
    I the 30s? What the heck? Wishing you warm weather SOON! 😉
Jane's Heartsong on April 19, 2022 at 9:56 pm said:

So nice to see the yellow of the Warblers and impressed that the Song Sparrow is not bothered by its metal friend.

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- H.J. for avian101 on April 20, 2022 at 10:07 am said:
  
  Not really! Song sparrow are all over the backyard, they are very inquisitive. Thank you, Jane. 🙂
  
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de Wets Wild on April 19, 2022 at 11:07 pm said:

While the Song Sparrow and Northern Mockingbird’s colours are more cryptic – probably blending very well with their natural environment – the bright Pine Warbler does not seem at all concerned about camouflage!

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- H.J. for avian101 on April 20, 2022 at 10:12 am said:
  
  I’m always intrigued by that. Why being so obvious and to be found by predators. However, there must be a reason. Perhaps their nemesis predator can’t see that particular color. Great question, D. 🙂
  
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Lisa Rest on April 24, 2022 at 11:25 am said:

Love the Pine Warbler. I have yet to see one this spring. A Northern Mockingbird would be very special up here too. 🙂

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- H.J. for avian101 on April 24, 2022 at 1:10 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much, Lisa. 🙂
  
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