Autumn virtuoso, French Alps (1,000m asl) (1 Viewer)

[Richard Prior]

Apologies for the faint recording, I just pointed my mobile phone in the direction of the bird. We're used to the mimicry and variety of Marsh Warbler here in May/June but this species comes a close second when it does this Autumn subsong. All the sounds you hear (apart from the cow bells nearby) were being produced by this individual, including the eerie owl-like gargle.
I made other recordings in a ten minute spell but cars or aircraft passing spoiled the result. Among the species I heard it mimicking were Black Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Chiffchaff and Blue Tit.
I only ever hear it doing this in September, what do you think it is?

 

[Richard Prior]

No takers then?!
I found it a fascinating performance from a normally unmusical species:t:

 

[Xenospiza]

I know Magpies can do this kind of stuff.

 

[Jos Stratford]

Starling doing the cow bells Not sure about the twittering little bird though.

 

[Deb Burhinus]

You can’t beat an Icky when it’s on a roll and I’ve heard RB Shrikes make some interesting vocals - it’s amazing just how many birds mimic other species (including mimicking animals too!)

Eurasian Jays are surprisingly good mimics ...

 

[Richard Prior]

No Starlings here now Jos, but Jay is a good call Deb, it’s in fact a Black Redstart, the male that raised two broods and now is singing for joy as he’s no longer any responsibilities ( modern parents eh.....).