Oriole mimicry

["Philip Veerman" <>]

I don't know if female Olive-backed Orioles sing but the species are commonly very good mimics. I'd suggest that Pizzey's comment relates more to functional use of the word subsong, rather than volume. They will mimic in pretty much the same volume as normal calls (though maybe not always). In contrast to say the way lyrebirds and bowerbirds do it, subsong commonly is done by birds in context of little or no social relevance. As in subsong is indulging in mimicry, not directed at any other individuals.

 

Philip