Mimicking!

[Shannylee]

I have 5 young spice finches in my aviary with 20ish canaries. Over the last few days, I discovered that the little spice male is mimicking the canary song. He has a softer, quieter song but the same canary pattern and trill and he is oh-so-proud of himself when he sings! Super cute!

[Sheather]

I raised 3 spice chicks in my old bird room and one learned the wrong song when he matured, even though its brother sang like their father did with the usual buzzy song. He mimicked a society song and learned it to the point where it was nearly perfect, just the littlest bit faster. He imprinted on this one society and followed it everywhere listening to it sing.

[Shannylee]

Sheather

How funny, Dylan! This little guy is about 6 months old and just discovered his voice. He mimicks perfectly. I have to laugh when he busts out with a canary trill.

[isobea]

Shannylee - I think you are on to something here, Sharon! I would love to have a spice finch that sings like a canary!!! And quieter than a canary to boot? Who can say no to that. I used to have spice finches and always regretted that they were too 'quiet'. You've got the best of both worlds in that little guy.
Iso

[MisterGribs]

Do societies mimic? I know a fellow who has two white cockrels, and they both mimic a human kiss-kiss noise perfectly.

[Babs _Owner]

Shannylee

You need to hide in the bushes and get video!

[Denise]

On topic..but off- did you all know that a crow can mimic? There are some crazy videos on youtube! They can evn mimic the sound of a chain saw. Very smart birds!

[Shannylee]

I tried to get video of him trilling but it has been very windy here so all you can hear is the roar of the wind. I'll try again. There are 2 boy spices that are singing but I'm not sure if both of them speak canary or if it's just the one guy.

@Denise, crows are crazy smart. So are magpies. We don't have magpies in FL but they mimic, steal stuff, etc. Funny birds!

[MisterGribs]

Denise Oh yes.. They also learn to swear quite fast, and are incredibly destructive. And strong.

I had a rehab rip every single key off of my keyboard because I spent too much time with it, and not enough time with him.

[Dave]

Your bird has it all over me. I've tried to mimic a Canary and it just doesn't work.