When you hear a wiry bird sound in the city, chances are it’s a male European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) singing to claim territory and attract a mate.

In the spring male starlings perch up high with a long view in all directions.  Then they lift their beaks, puff out their throat feathers and sing.  “Notice me!” they say.

But it’s not a pleasant song.  It reminds me of the sound made by fast-forwarding an audio tape. (That’s how old I am.)

Listen to this recording from Norway,  Xeno-Canto #XC383674 by Terje Kolaas.  That ticking (at 0:20) and whirring static is a bird!

When starlings drop their mechanical sounds they sometimes mimic other birds, though with a wiry edge.  Here’s a songster in Italy, Xeno-Canto #XC394233 by Marco Dragonetti.

When you hear sounds like these, look up and you’ll find a starling.

(photo from Wikimedia Commons; click on the image to see the original. Audio from Xeno Canto)