Program Information — Series 1 & 2

Click on a program in the right-hand column to see a description and program notes.

Song Complexity - Anna's Hummingbird

Program Description

Our local, year-round Anna's hummingbird has perhaps the most complex song of any North American bird. Slowing its song doesn't resolve its complexity into something simple and melodic.

Program & Recording Notes

The Anna's hummingbird song, wing beats, and territorial dive were recorded by Chris Tenney in the Los Padres National Forest. He recorded the Pacific-slope flycatcher in Salinas and the Swainson's thrush near Carmel River. I slowed down the songs to varying degrees using Raven Lite and/or Bias Peak 4.

Series 1
Introduction
Vocal Range
Importance of Song
Avoiding Monotony
Learning Song
Hip Hop Mimicry
Hummingbird Complexity
Syrinx Anatomy
Internal Duets (Cardinal)
Internal Duets (Cowbird)
Internal Duets (Thrushes)
Syrinx & Pan Pipes

Series 2
Songs & Calls
Call Repertoires
Alarm Calls
Mobbing Calls
Call Notes
Cross-Species Alarms
Pishing
Breathing
Lungs & Air Sacs
Circular Breathing
Resonance
Cooing



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