Young birds also begin to learn
their specie’s calls and songs about
this time. They will begin to imitate
the sounds of the parents, albeit
with cracking, wobbly voices. With
practice, the contact notes and alarm
calls become clearer, until they’re
actually useful as communication
tools.
Social behaviors are also learned
early. Pecking order is important
in the bird world, and babies are
taught, sometimes a bit rudely,
what their status is at the feeder.
Reprimands generally elicit more
juvenile behavior (open-mouthed
wing quivering, designed to trigger
parental instincts to fill that gaping
maw). Like parents of all species,
adult birds put up with juvenile
behavior long enough to ensure
their kids will grow up to be strong,
capable, attractive adults who can
carry on the family name (or at least
the family genes). And, like kids
everywhere, the youngsters push the
envelope of decorum and good taste.
Next time you see a screaming kid at
your feeder, enjoy the satisfaction of
helping busy parents feed their kids.
MAY 2016
PA R K E R C O U N T Y T O D AY
53