[erine]

This song started suddenly about 2 weeks ago. Its VERY loud and each song lasts about 20 seconds. You can hear it with the doors closed and the TV on. It's always from the same area, it never seems to travel, and it's pretty frequent at this point.
We live behind an auto place, and at first I remember catching part of it and thinking it was some sort of machinery that was trying to turn over. My boyfriend thought parts of it sounded like a monkey. It didn't take us long to realize it was all part of a whole song from a bird. It just took us by surprise because we don't remember hearing anything like this before.

I borrowed a friends modest recorder, sat outside, and taped every call I heard form this bird for about 30-40 minutes. The file I attached is the result. It's kind of faint in the recording, but when I hold my speaker up to my ear, or use the headphones in my ears I can hear it pretty well. Some parts are more faint then others.
The recording doesn't really do justice as to how loud it is.. Keep in mind this is how loud it records, even considering there are trucks behind us, airplanes going to/from our local airport providing some white noise cover, and the bird seems to be even further down the block, so this is a very loud call. It just radiates on the neighborhood. I have neighbors who complain, and wish it would disappear. I don't mind it, I'm just curious to what it is. My boyfriend brought over some bird call CD's but we couldn't find one on there matching this call.

It took me hours to learn how to upload it, change it to MP3 and condense it to fit. I hope it is useful and someone can help figure out who this is. I paused and resumed the recording whenever the call would start again, so you will hear some clicking. there is four distinct and different parts to the call, each time he calls. Some parts I was able to record have more of the complete song then others, depending on how fast I was able to work the recorder.

Listen closely..any thoughts are appreciated. :)

[MLoyko]

I wanted to say Pileated woodpecker but it changes a couple times. Once it sounded like somebody was sawing through rusty metal. Try Pileated woodpecker, the call might sound different because of the audio.

-Matt

[steveo]

Good thinking Matt, Erine click on this link scroll down and click on pileated woodpecker. What do you think?

[erine]

thanks..yes, this was a possibility, I'm not totally unfamiliar with the woodpecker sounds...(though not an expert) and I've been listening to a few audio clips. I'm not saying there is no chance it is this guy...but I would kind of be surprised if it was. I have yet to hear a woodpecker just like this, but again, maybe I just haven't heard it yet.
We also haven't yet heard any of the actual wood pecking, even after going closer to the source for listens. Maybe it's a nesting call I haven't come across yet?

I wish I was better at describing the different sounds it makes in this whole song he gives...but IMO, it's different enough, especially when you compare the similar parts of woodpecker and the unknown call side by side, as it were.
He is not only loud, but persistent. Seems to slow down towards evening thought. Good thing he takes a break between his call, or it would get a little annoying with some of it sounding like a screaming monkey.

[erine]

Originally Posted by MLoyko

I wanted to say Pileated woodpecker but it changes a couple times. Once it sounded like somebody was sawing through rusty metal. Try Pileated woodpecker, the call might sound different because of the audio.

-Matt

I know right? We were taken by surprise at first...because it sounds so bizarre at points, like machinery or *something* especially sense we live behind a few places that use different machinery and tools. It sounds even more bizzare in person, maybe because its so much louder.
But no, my mom thought the same thing as you when I described it to her, but changed her mind when she got to hear it over the phone , the phone picks it up a little better then the recording I think, cuz she could hear it pretty well.

what else could it be???

[J. Moore]

It does not sound like a native bird to me. Maybe a guineafowl or peacock?

Best,
Jim

[MLoyko]

Originally Posted by J. Moore

It does not sound like a native bird to me. Maybe a guineafowl or peacock?

Best,
Jim

Yeah could be, like I said I wasn't totally sold on the Pileated idea. I haven't heard a peacock sound like that before though.

I recently bought a turkey locator call from Cabela's that imitates a peacock and gets the male turkeys to gobble. It doesn't sound like this but you can use it to make a Pileated to that is where I got that idea from. But the more I listen to it the less I'm agreeing with my first guess.

[J. Moore]

Originally Posted by MLoyko

Yeah could be, like I said I wasn't totally sold on the Pileated idea. I haven't heard a peacock sound like that before though.

I recently bought a turkey locator call from Cabela's that imitates a peacock and gets the male turkeys to gobble. It doesn't sound like this but you can use it to make a Pileated to that is where I got that idea from. But the more I listen to it the less I'm agreeing with my first guess.

I was having trouble finding genuine common peafowl recordings, but now that I've found some, they do not sound like it. i could not find many guineafowl recordings either, but they did sound closer. And Sibley describes the call as "raucous notes in rhythmic series".

Best,
Jim

[steveo]

Here is a helmeted guineafowl recording. http://www.freesound.org/tagsViewSingle.php?id=10987

[erine]

Originally Posted by steveo

Here is a helmeted guineafowl recording. http://www.freesound.org/tagsViewSingle.php?id=10987

hmm I'm going to say with this information so far, it's not this guy.

I cant wait to hear what else some people might think it is...this is a mystery.
I wish I had a better recorder.
Is it possible someone had a pet something or another and let it go? that was my first thought when I heard this, becuase it sounded so exotic but then i thought it was more likely just a call/bird I have not heard under these circumstances yet...but I don't know.

[MLoyko]

I agree that they guineafowl recording did sound closer, but I'm having trouble making it fit the original sound clip. It's not high pitched enough. Maybe they recorded a fight between a Pileated or Guineafowl ?

[J. Moore]

Originally Posted by erine

hmm I'm going to say with this information so far, it's not this guy.

I cant wait to hear what else some people might think it is...this is a mystery.
I wish I had a better recorder.
Is it possible someone had a pet something or another and let it go? that was my first thought when I heard this, becuase it sounded so exotic but then i thought it was more likely just a call/bird I have not heard under these circumstances yet...but I don't know.

Well, it doesn't sound exactly like it, but it's in the ballpark. Most birds have a variety of calls, so just because one recording doesn't match does not mean its not the same bird. It might also be a different species of guinea fowl or a hybrid. In any event, as I stated, I think it's some sort of exotic--which often means a pet or some bird being held in captivity. Pileated is probably the closest native bird, but I'm pretty familiar with their call and have never heard one sound similar to the recording.

Best,
Jim

[MLoyko]

Originally Posted by J. Moore

Well, it doesn't sound exactly like it, but it's in the ballpark. Most birds have a variety of calls, so just because one recording doesn't match does not mean its not the same bird. It might also be a different species of guinea fowl or a hybrid. In any event, as I stated, I think it's some sort of exotic--which often means a pet or some bird being held in captivity. Pileated is probably the closest native bird, but I'm pretty familiar with their call and have never heard one sound similar to the recording.

Best,
Jim

Right, unfortunately this one will probably not be figured out. Unless of course it continues to call and you go find it and get a picture of it

[lashinala]

Whatever it is, it sounds to me like there are 2 of them....one closer to the mic than the other. I had a relative with a peacock for a while, and they do sound kind of like that. Hey, try playing back the recording in the woods.

[Peter C.]

Sounds like a couple of very agitated Flickers. But I've never heard a Flicker go on as long as that (except in a banding lab - talk about LOUD).

Peter C.

[erine]

Originally Posted by J. Moore

Well, it doesn't sound exactly like it, but it's in the ballpark. Most birds have a variety of calls, so just because one recording doesn't match does not mean its not the same bird. It might also be a different species of guinea fowl or a hybrid. In any event, as I stated, I think it's some sort of exotic--which often means a pet or some bird being held in captivity. Pileated is probably the closest native bird, but I'm pretty familiar with their call and have never heard one sound similar to the recording.

Best,
Jim

thanks, and I agree, good points about the different calls each bird has..which makes it challenging for me I guess..
I also feel better that someone else also thinks it is an exotic, and I'm not crazy. As I explained it to a friend of mine he said, its probably just a loud bluejay....??
Its definatly something outside, but perhaps kept in a cage somewhere.

it almost sounds like it is copying a couple other birds....could that be?

but I also think...if this is a natural call of this type of bird....it is so consistant in it's calls,...there has to be another taping of it somewhere? It has to be something someone else has heard before.
maybe Im wrong on all those accounts tho.

Originally Posted by lashinala

Whatever it is, it sounds to me like there are 2 of them....one closer to the mic than the other. I had a relative with a peacock for a while, and they do sound kind of like that. Hey, try playing back the recording in the woods.

we thought of that, haha. If I had a lap top I'd try just that.
we dont have much for woods, just a thin tree line. I think I will try to do some more exploring tomorrow wth the camera and see if i cant get lucky and spot it. At the very least get a clearer recording.
I'll also keep a look out for the ginea as meantioned, as a possiblity.
thanks everyone.

[Chris Benesh]

Hi Erine,

This sounds like a distress recording, likely one that is being used to keep pigeons away. You say that it is coming from near an auto mall/shop. I wouldn't be surprised if they are broadcasting the sounds there.

Chris

[MLoyko]

Originally Posted by Chris Benesh

Hi Erine,

This sounds like a distress recording, likely one that is being used to keep pigeons away. You say that it is coming from near an auto mall/shop. I wouldn't be surprised if they are broadcasting the sounds there.

Chris

Never thought of that.

[J. Moore]

Originally Posted by Chris Benesh

Hi Erine,

This sounds like a distress recording, likely one that is being used to keep pigeons away. You say that it is coming from near an auto mall/shop. I wouldn't be surprised if they are broadcasting the sounds there.

Chris

I had never heard of that being done either. But it sounds as though it would be as likely to drive away people as birds! (Though perhaps they only use it during off-hours? In which case it would only annoy residents like Erine.).

Best,
Jim

[J. Moore]

Found some more information about using distress calls as a bird control measure. There is actually a whole range of devices one can purchase to emit these. See here: http://www.bird-x.com/products-sonic...ers-c-5_6.html

At least some state they are motion activated.

However, some articles on the Internet claim that they are not very effective against pigeons, and that no distress call specific to feral pigeons has been isolated. See here: http://www.birdproofing.co.nz/birds.htm

Best,
Jim

[erine]

Originally Posted by Chris Benesh

Hi Erine,

This sounds like a distress recording, likely one that is being used to keep pigeons away. You say that it is coming from near an auto mall/shop. I wouldn't be surprised if they are broadcasting the sounds there.

Chris

interesting idea! we don't have pigeon problem here at all....actually. I can't think of any bird really that is a problem for anyone around here, maybe just the hawks that are picking off the squirrels that might be an issue for some of the residents with small dogs. but still, interesting idea. How likely is it that it is a distress call from a bird being kept in captivity? Perhaps someone has somethign as a pet outside? Or maybe a bird that was once a pet, but then either escaped or released outdoors.
The sound is all day, during buisness hours. I heard it as early as approx 7 am today, and goes on until about sunset. I'm stumped, anyone who is over and hears it says they have never heard this before in their lives.
Im hoping to get a better recording and information today.

if u earth google or map quest farm and fleet in madison, on stoughton rd..you can see the birds eye view of the area.

[OK Birder]

I've listened to the recordings several times now and to me it sounds more mechanical than biological. (That maybe a combination of my ears, the quality of the recording and my speakers.) But birds do not vocalize all day, non-stop, day after day. Does the sound stop during the day at any particular time? When and for how long?

Also, many birds move around their territories calling at different points to mark the boundaries. Does the direction of the sounds change at all? Does it seem nearer or farther away? More to the left or the right?

If this were my mystery, I would walk or drive that direction to find the source. In other words, does the sound come from the woods or a house or a workshop or warehouse?

As for birds, I owned a Common Hill Mynah that made the most amazing and annoying sounds. This recording reminds me, somewhat, of that bird, but it was not this loud.

[Chris Benesh]

Originally Posted by erine

interesting idea! we don't have pigeon problem here at all....actually.

Well, maybe it's an effective deterrent.

But seriously, this has to be a device being used to frighten off birds. The birds in the recordings sound like various birds of prey, and the fact that the sounds are non-stop, loud, from a fixed location, and played during business hours, all suggest that it serves this type of function. Looking at a sound spectrogram, I can see that the entire recording is made of just four vocal elements, and these are mixed and repeated. No bird, captive or otherwise, would vocalize for that prolonged period of time.

We have a couple of malls here in Tucson that employ a similar strategy, as do buildings at the university here. They are largely ineffectual, but that does not stop the marketing people from selling them to desperate buyers.

Chris

[MLoyko]

I agree. now that you said it is all day from dawn till dusk, that it has to be something mechanical. I would probably go with Chris' theory of sound blasting to keep something away. Must have just bought it too if you have never heard it before. Why don't you go have a look-see and ask around if anybody is using a device like that. And as OK Birder stated, go investigate it. If it is everyday all day then you should be able to pinpoint the exact location of the bird/machine calling, if it stops when you get closer then it is alive if it keeps going it is either brave or inanimate.

So go do that and lets us know what you come up with.

[erine]

Ok, I think I must of misrepresented the situation to a certain extent...it's not constant every moment of the day. It's all day long, but not constant straight through. It calls at least a half a dozen times an hour. approx. sometimes more. I apologize if I lead everyone to believe it was non stop with no breaks.
In the recording..I stopped and started the recording when he stopped and started..where you can hear the clicks of me pressing the button on and off. The *song* consist of four parts...then stops until the next song which seems to consist of the same four parts repeated again. The sound file is the result of what was heard in a span of about 25 minutes. Sometimes a half hour goes by and you dont hear it as much as the previous half hour.

This is also starting way before any buisness behind us are open. I also have no idea what bird or animal they would be trying to detour..... I've lived here for years.
we did investigate today. walking up and down the street, waiting for it to call so we could pin point it. Our best educated guess, is that it is coming from a house, approx two houses down. It seems to be coming from one of the back facing windows to be exact. Do to fencing, we can't get behind a couple of the houses. It does seem to be louder towards the house back yard, and not as loud towards the businesses line, and not as loud going towards the businesses.
Nobody is fessing up to a bird, or a recording. Sometimes the black birds can be annoying, but it hasn't even seemed to effect them in the least. I have yet to see a pigeon in this neighborhood. But like you said....perhaps a aggressive sales person talked this person into thinking it would be a good idea for some reason.


though I'm not totally discounting the mechanical recording, but I would be totally dumbfounded as to why there is one playing.

Originally Posted by OK Birder

I've listened to the recordings several times now and to me it sounds more mechanical than biological. (That maybe a combination of my ears, the quality of the recording and my speakers.) But birds do not vocalize all day, non-stop, day after day. Does the sound stop during the day at any particular time? When and for how long?

Also, many birds move around their territories calling at different points to mark the boundaries. Does the direction of the sounds change at all? Does it seem nearer or farther away? More to the left or the right?

If this were my mystery, I would walk or drive that direction to find the source. In other words, does the sound come from the woods or a house or a workshop or warehouse?

As for birds, I owned a Common Hill Mynah that made the most amazing and annoying sounds. This recording reminds me, somewhat, of that bird, but it was not this loud.

interesting...I haven't found any sound bites of this guy yet, but it says they mimic sounds.Perhaps we have a loud of these here?
Perhaps a distressed one? In my day..I've come across a few households around here with birds in very small cages, and bored or in distress. I don't know if that has anything to do with it or not though. 100% a guess.
thoughts anyone?