Why is the Chaffinch "rain" call so-called?

[AshLee]

Hi,

I like the Chaffinch "rain" call. One was just making this noise outside my window (and strangely enough, it was raining ). I could not find out why it was called this, on Google.

Does anyone know?

Ta,

Ash

[aeshna5]

Although I'm familiar with a range of different Chaffinch calls, I've never heard of one called the "rain" call. Can you elaborate what you mean by this?

[AshLee]

Hi aeshna5,

Examples are:

XC25843 Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) | sound on xeno-canto/europe

and

XC30385 Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) | sound on xeno-canto/europe

I believe this call varies widely, geographically.

Ash

[aeshna5]

Thanks! I am familiar with this call, but hadn't associated it with rain + have certainly heard it when it's not raining!

[AshLee]

I posted this question on a bird forum and was directed to the following site:

Nature's music: the science of birdsong - Google-kirjat

So it does forecast bad weather, supposedly.

I remain skeptical

[RoyW]

Originally Posted by AshLee

So it does forecast bad weather, supposedly.

I remain skeptical

I think that you're wise to stay skeptical.
It sounds like the sort of thing people remember when they coincide ('rain' call + rain), but convieniently fail to notice when they don't.
In Britain it is of course highly likely that it will be raining soon after you hear a Chaffinch give this type of call!

[Gill Catton]

I know the call - it sounds vaguely like a football whistle, and yes I have heard it when its bright sunhine with no hint of rain. I too have wondered why its called a rain call!