August 2008
Earlier the year Haldensleben (central Germany) based ornithologist
Reinhold Brennecke called me to report a local Corn Bunting Emberiza
calandra with an aberrant song. The bird would have two different kinds
of song – one similar to the Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella and in
addition a mixed song containing Yellowhammer and Corn Bunting
elements.
By chance I read an article about a similar case in eastern Germany
a few days ago and decided to try to get a sound recording of the singer.
I was lucky enough to find the bird exactly at the described spot and
could confirm it as a Corn Bunting.
As reported it sang two different types of songs. The mixed one started
with a Yellowhammer phrase and ended with a typical fast Corn Bunting
rattle.
PFR01362, 2-11, 080627, Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra, wrong song, Bebertal, Germany
PFR01363, 2-11, 080627, Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra, wrong song, Bebertal, Germany
PFR01364, 2-11, 080627, Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra, mixed song, Bebertal, Germany