Why do blackbirds squeak when eating?

[SJANSELL]

Hi,

Hi, we've had a lot of blackbirds fighting over food and territory. Just been watching one feeding very close to us through the window. It pecks very rapidly and makes a high pitched squeak every 3 to 4 seconds. Any guesses about why? Maybe to warn off competitors?

BTW we now have a Greater Woodpecker coming regularly to feed off the RSPB fat-filled half coconut shells - never had that before and the magpies are also having a go and sometimes deliberately pull off the shells even if I tie them on tightly. Costing us a fortune - should really make our own.

Sarah

[Doggle Avaddit]

Is this a female Blackbird?

I have watched female Blackbirds sitting on the ground making a kind of mournful, kind of pathetic "seeep" every few seconds for absolutely ages. I've never seen a Male do it.

As to what it means. I don't have a clue.

[bigdave60dog]

They would look a bit daft if they barked wouldn`t they?
Dave

[SheffieldLass]

Both males and females do it. It seems to mean a number of different things too. If they are in another's territory and have been spotted they do it. If there is a predator at a distance they will do it. Sometimes it seems to be just a contact call. They don't restrict their squeaking to when they eat, either.

[SJANSELL]

LOL. Actually my cat squeaks all the time - maybe it's imitating her! It's very high pitched (the blackbird I mean).

It's a male. It's got a few paler blotches on it's head like some do, so quite distinctive. It's only the males that come close to the house. They waste a huge amount of energy fighting - sort of rise up flapping ineffectually at each other - reminds me of kids scrapping at school.

Sarah

[SJANSELL]

Originally Posted by SheffieldLass

Both males and females do it. It seems to mean a number of different things too. If they are in another's territory and have been spotted they do it. If there is a predator at a distance they will do it. Sometimes it seems to be just a contact call. They don't restrict their squeaking to when they eat, either.

Sorry - crossed with your post. Thanks for that. I'll watch out for squeaking birds now! I think it must be territorial atm.

Interestingly the birds never take any notice of my cat who sits around watching pigeons and squirrels eat all the food. She only catches mice. Wonder if I could teach her to chase pigeons.

Sarah

[bigdave60dog]

You mean that very high pitched squeak that they sometimes make at regular intervals.
I have heard this many times and have always thougt that it is something to do with letting young or partner know where they are.
I never stopped to think about it before but now that you come to mention it I have never really considered any other aptions. Maybe I should.
Dave

[SJANSELL]

Hadn't thought of that explanation. I will watch out for signs of other birds, although this seemed to be a single bird. However the squeak is very piercing so could be to another bird. I am enticing them down to the area near the house so I can watch them more closely. The pigeons aren't as keen to poke about under our pots. Atm there seem to be more male blackbirds than females around. Do they keep the same mates? I must check.

Sarah

[SJANSELL]

Watched a different male blackbird this morning - no squeaking. A second came down, and didn't squeak either. They soon started fighting!

Female down now also not squeaking.

I did think the squeaky male might be a youngster keeping in touch with parents, but having consulted my ancient Reader's Digest bird book it seems as if they only depend on parents for about 3 weeks after leaving the nest and it's plumage looked like it was fully adult. How long do they keep their early brown plumage?

Also just read a sentence about young males keeping their 'first winter black bill' - never noticed that before.

Also noticed how mucky their beaks were - bits stuck on and hanging off. I do see lots of birds wipe their beaks on fences and branches.

Amazing what you see once you start watching closely!

Sarah