I
don't think this got through, so I'll try again.
Mike
One
explanation I have heard (cannot remember where, or who from) is that the
population density of Blackbirds in Melbourne is such that the males do not have
static or well-defined territories, and may often "share" a territory with other
breeding males. Their song is a territorial one, so without a set
territory to defend, they may not have a need to sing a complete
song.
But as
I said, I don't know where I heard this, so it is of possibly doubtful
veracity.
Cheers, MIke
Michael Hunter in his report on a visit to Paris mentioned that he wished
his Blackbirds at home sang as well as the French ones that he heard.
I moved to Australia from the UK 10 years ago and have yet to hear a
Blackbird sing anywhere close to as well as I was used to back in the "old
country".
Their song over here just never seems to really get going.I've asked a
few Aussies who've said that yes they do sing well here,but they haven't
heard an English Blackbird in full song. The question is why?
Are they longing for home?!
Simon Starr.
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