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Posted by Alex Harper on 00:01:38 02/28/11
In Reply to: Re: Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: reprise? posted by Georgiana
This is a well-described behavior in Blue Jays. They can learn to mimic several hawk calls, which benefits them by clearing out competition. However, they are probably incapable of mimicking an Eastern Whip-poor-will, would not certainly before daylight, and lastly it would not benefit them in anyway by mimicking one.
Northern Mockingbirds, as you know, will imitate anything. When they do though, they are usually incorporating a phrase into their song. The only bird vocalizing like an Eastern Whip-poor-will for thirty minutes straight is an Eastern Whip-poor-will, night or day.
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