Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!mips!apple!well!lp
From: lp@well.sf.ca.us (Lily Pond)
Newsgroups: rec.birds
Subject: Mockingbirds
Keywords: mockingbird,song
Message-ID: <24798@well.sf.ca.us>
Date: 15 May 91 22:50:35 GMT
Lines: 14


Has anyone else out there noticed what I have noticed about mockingbird
song?  I've never seen this written about, but would appreciate pointers to
articles if they exist:

The mockingbird does not change song patterns randomly, but rather always
along one of three paths:
Voice (raspy, smooth, etc)
Pitch or Key
Melody

Each time it shifts patterns it only changes one of these variables.  Older
birds are really extraordinary artists at doing this while a young one will
be really rather boring!