As a result of the message from Michael, I took a closer look at Geoff's buzz call and compared it to the call of a known Dickcissel I recorded for a true side-by-side comparison. It is clear to me now that I was mistaken in my first evaluation.
In re-evaluating the buzz call, I played back the sounds at 1/4 speed and, to my surprise, the buzz call does in fact have more modulation as compared to a classic flatulent-sounding Dickcissel NFC. Also, although very close, the buzz call does not quite fall within the same frequency bounds (at least in comparing these two calls). When played back at 1/4 speed, the modulation produces a very musical quavering sound (liquid quality, per Michael). Each note within the classic Dickcissel call is distinctively separate, giving it a more stuttered (still somewhat musical but laser-like) sound. Again, this is at 1/4 speed. At full speed, the call in question is so tightly modulated that it gives an initial perception of a faster and more buzzy Dickcissel call. However, slowing it down helps to reveal the true texture of the sound. Please listen to the attached files for comparisons. Note: I used Audacity to initially match the sampling rates (the buzz call was sampled at 44.1 kHz, while the Dickcissel call was sampled at 22.05 kHz) so they could be played back-to-back in the same file. Next, I used another feature of Audacity to "slow" the sounds down upon playback. As far as I can tell, this latter feature simply shifts all samples into a lower frequency (so, don't use the 1/2 and 1/4 speed files to measure either call frequencies). In conclusion, I would concur with Michael that this is probably an odd Rose-breasted Grosbeak call. I have heard this before, just not that frequently. Which reminds me how different and bizarre some night flight calls can be, within a single species. There are so many aspects with respect to how a bird's age, sex, or geographical origin can play a role in the different call types within the same species – all of this is yet to be discovered in this developing field of study. Good night listening! Sincerely, Chris T-H Attached files. [see attached file: Unknown_and_Dickcissel_Full Speed.wav] [see attached file: Unknown_and_Dickcissel_Half Speed.wav] [see attached file: Unknown_and_Dickcissel_Quarter Speed.wav] On Sep 22, 2014, at 11:11 PM, Michael O'Brien <tsw...@comcast.net<mailto:tsw...@comcast.net>> wrote: Geoff et al, To my ear, this sounds like the buzzy variation of Rose-breasted Grosbeak that is often given in fall (perhaps by immatures?). It has more of a liquid quality, and maybe a bit more of a rising inflection than is typical of Dickcissel. There are good examples of this call on the Evans & O'Brien CD-Rom. Good listening, Michael O'Brien Michael O'Brien Victor Emanuel Nature Tours www.ventbird.com<http://www.ventbird.com/> On Sep 22, 2014, at 12:10 AM, "Geoff Malosh" <pomar...@earthlink.net<mailto:pomar...@earthlink.net>> wrote: Hi all, I heard the attached buzz-type call on the morning of Sept 19 during the very large flight over the Pittsburgh suburbs I posted about a few days ago. My first thought was Dickcissel when I heard in real time it but a few people have commented that it doesn’t sound exactly right in the attached recording, which is true. Northern Rough-winged Swallow was the other immediate thought . . . any other possibilities? The call in question is at 2.6 seconds into the clip. The same or a different bird sounds like it calls a few tenths of a second before that. Thanks for any comments. 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Unknown_and_Dickcissel_Full Speed.wav
Description: Unknown_and_Dickcissel_Full Speed.wav
Unknown_and_Dickcissel_Half Speed.wav
Description: Unknown_and_Dickcissel_Half Speed.wav
Unknown_and_Dickcissel_Quarter Speed.wav
Description: Unknown_and_Dickcissel_Quarter Speed.wav
