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Posted by John Boyd on 20:04:00 10/02/05
In Reply to: Re: Massive Nocturnal Migrants posted by Alex Harper
: Black-throated Blue Warblers don't really have a "seep" call, more of a hard "stick" which is pretty distinct (as far a warblers go). Plus, they are our most common warbler this time of migration, so I'm confident in saying I heard plenty of them last night.
If by the "stick" call, you mean the flat call we normally hear, I agree it is distinct. But it is not their real flight call. They do sometimes give it in flight during the day, but also have a more generic "seep" call (which we heard quite a few times today at Indian Hammocks). It is similar to their main flight call at night (the night call is normally doubled).
I haven't paid close enough attention to be sure, but I have the impression that the "stick" call is used primarily in short dashes and chases (within a tree or on the deck), while the other is used for actually flying. E.g., birds leaving the top of a tree for another.
Some consider it similar to the Lark Sparrow, which often starts migrating through in August.
What is the evidence that BT Blues are our most common warbler migrant right now? Why not Ovenbird or Redstart?
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