Although the male Blackbird helps the female to feed their nestlings, this does not put a stop to his vocal efforts. He frequently carols a few notes near the nest directly after he has delivered his catch of worms and grubs, and this fact may, to some extent, account for the chicks commencing to sing three months after they have been hatched.
Some members of this species will sing off and on as late as the end of July, and commence again as early even as September.
The Blackbird, when heard at very close quarters, may be discerned to imitate the notes of other species, as I have discovered when lying in hiding trying to obtain phonographic records of its song. It is said to be able to reproduce the crowing of a cock or the cackle of a laying hen, and even snatches of popular songs.
The bird’s call note is a tisserr, tack, tack, and its well-known ringing alarm cry, spink, spink, spink.
THE TWITE OR
MOUNTAIN LINNET.
I have had many excellent opportunities of studying this wee songster whilst staying in the Outer Hebrides, where it is far more numerous than in any other part of the British Isles. In general appearance, flight, and habits it closely resembles its relative, the Common Linnet, but may be distinguished from that species by the fact that it has a longer tail and more slender form, a yellow beak, and lacks the crimson colouring on its head and breast.
The female is distinguished from the male by the fact that she is lighter-coloured, and has no crimson on her rump.
Young Twites resemble their mother in appearance.