Having opened this can of worms I think I should respond.
It appears that Aussie Blackbirds are quite capable of singing their little
hearts out with the best of them(and why wouldn't they in a place called
Sunny corner!).
However much to my dismay I am yet to hear it.I have a resident pair of
Blackbirds around home(in northern Victoria) and Mr. Blackbird just doesn't
perform.His song never lasts more than a few phrases at best.This may be
related to low population density and the open nature of the habitat here
but if others are noticing the same??
I think your conclusion is right that Blackbirds in Europe sing more,are
bolder and sing for longer.Perhaps in Melbourne for instance they are
subject to much more aggressive competition from Mynas?,Red
Wattlebirds?,Noisy Miners?,etc etc. In English suburbia I can't think of
many similarly aggressive competitors.
Thanks for a great bit of research,
Simon Starr,
PS The brolgas however have been putting on a good show here
recently.Calling,dancing,bowing and cow-pat tossing!!
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