[Johan_H_Nilsson]

Hi,

I would appreciate some assistance with determining a bird I heard the other night. I am living in southern Sweden and was cycling around listening for night birds.

I was able to record the strange sound with my mobile telephone. Listen to it here:

http://hem.passagen.se/anemone.data/ljudgata1.mp3
http://hem.passagen.se/anemone.data/ljudgata2.mp3

For information about habitat, see the bottom of this message.

My first impression was a mixture of green woodpecker and Tengmalm's owl.

I still suspect the latter. However, the voice seemed too high pitched, and the phrases a little too long. IRL, I have only heard the display call of the Tengmalm's. I listened to some recordings but they cannot convince me.

One interesting thing is that I also heard the 'hooo' of a tawny owl very close to the unknown bird. I suspect the sound can be an alarm call.

The owls that usually can be found in this area are: Tawny, Tengmalm's, Pygmy, Long-eared, Short-eared (occasionally) and Eagle owl (rare).

This sound annoys me a little, so any help is appreciated.

Regards,

Johan Nilsson

---

date & time: 1 a.m., June 15th 2005
place: southern Sweden, 20 km north of Ulricehamn
surroundings: quite dense spruce forest, a bit hilly terrain with both rocks and marshes, not far from a small road and a lonely house
weather: a bit cloudy, moonlight, around 10 degrees

[robinm]

Hi Johan,

A warm welcome to BirdForum from all the Moderators and Admin.

I am afraid I can't id the call but I am sure someone will be along soon who can.

[Johan_H_Nilsson]

Originally Posted by robinm

Hi Johan,
A warm welcome to BirdForum from all the Moderators and Admin.

Thanks, Robinm. I hope to write a little presentation soon.

[StuartReeves]

Hi Johan,

I have no experience of Tengmalm's Owl, although I have spent quite a lot of time looking and listening for them ! However, I have heard recordings of the call and although, as you say, your call is rather high-pitched, in other respects it sounds very much like the recording I have heard. I am familiar with Green Woodpecker and this doesn't sound like one to me.

Hope that helps,

best wishes,

Stuart

[Johan_H_Nilsson]

Thanks, Stuart.

Originally Posted by StuartReeves

I am familiar with Green Woodpecker and this doesn't sound like one to me.

No, I don't believe it is a woodpecker either. They are smaller birds (well...) and say 'ki-ki-ki', while owls say 'po-po-po'.

I believe, this is a 'po-po-po' sound, even though a high-pitched one. Also note that the frequency raises at the start and falls at the end.

[screaming piha]

To me it sounds more like a falcon than a Tengmalm's Owl.

[Johan_H_Nilsson]

Originally Posted by John Jackson

To me it sounds more like a falcon than a Tengmalm's Owl.

Yes, it could be a hobby that was disturbed by the tawny owl. A local birdwatcher suggested that.