FINCHforum

I have a male zebra, a male society, 2 female societies, and a spice finch that I think is a female. I keep hearing a low pitch that sounds like a fly buzzing and can't figure out who it is. One pair of societies is mating and nesting and the other three take turns grooming each other. Everyone gets along fine. I've watched videos of spice finch songs and it doesn't sound like that. Is it one of the girls? They have no eggs and nobody fights. They all get along really well. I tried adding a second nest but they all still go into the original nest at night. If I go over there whoever it is stops but I think it's coming from inside the nest. Both society females are in there rearranging. Are they squabbling?

I promise you there is no fly over there. I've looked. Any suggestions?

Millenia
If it is a somewhat low-pitched whining call, it most likely is a nesting call. Many finches make this sort of call when they go into the nest to roost or get ready to breed. If they lay eggs, they may continue making the calls any time they go in the nest box or swap places until the eggs get close to hatching. Society and spice finches tend to be very peaceful, so it is unlikely they are fighting.

Icearstorm wrote: Millenia
If it is a somewhat low-pitched whining call, it most likely is a nesting call. Many finches make this sort of call when they go into the nest to roost or get ready to breed. If they lay eggs, they may continue making the calls any time they go in the nest box or swap places until the eggs get close to hatching. Society and spice finches tend to be very peaceful, so it is unlikely they are fighting.

That may be it. It's low pitched and sounds like it's coming from the nest. I swear it sounds like a fly buzzing. Do males and females both do it?

When male spice finches sing, it's a low, soft, humming/vibrating sound. So I would say it was them. You don't see them obviously singing, since their mouth doesn't need to move a lot like someone with a beeping song. But usually you see them standing tall, head stretched up a bit, and if you can look closely, their throat is moving and maybe the mouth is open a little and moving a tiny bit.

Icearstorm is it kind of like a whiny whistley sound? like fweeou fweeou fweeou? but high like a dog whistle? My male zeeb keeps doing that and I have a hunch it is a mating call or something. He certainly seems to be in love with my zeeb hen.

Millenia
Sorty, I didn't see your post until now. Both males and females make the noise and there does not seem to be a tone difference between the sexes for those calls, at least with my societies go.

sparrowsong98
I'm not sure what the zebra finch nesting call sounds like, but all of my breeding birds make a drawn out call somewhat similar to your description while nesting or following around their partner (except the female gouldian, which prefers to hiss and scream; she's a bit messed up).

Icearstorm

I figured out it is the two societies in their nest, mostly when one joins the other in the nest. It almost sounds like a growl at times but still sounds like a fly buzzing part of the time.

Millenia

I think it's your female making her own version of the cricket sound that female Societies make.

Millenia, spice finch...without a doubt! I have one little male that trills like the canaries he is housed with, albeit quieter, but the other male buzzes.

Millenia, or....happy love songs from the nest. LOL!

Shannylee

I've removed the other three finches they are still making that sound. It's definitely coming from the nest.

Millenia