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How to Understand the Birds 



THE GOLDFINCH-ECSTATIC SONGSTER 



Like their famous relatives the canaries, goldfinches are inspired singers. They 

 sing while perching and sometimes bound into the air with an ecstatic outburst of 

 twittering notes. The goldfinch flies in graceful curves that are a pleasure to watch. 



shortly after hatching; the youngsters of these species make a 

 peeping sound which prevents them from getting lost. As the bird 

 matures, it develops a "vocabulary" of some variety. It has a call, 

 especially useful during migration, which keeps it in touch with 

 the rest of the group. It can also give a call of alarm and one of 

 warning. 



While some birds have won a reputation as excellent songsters, 

 others, such as the brown pelican, are noted for being virtually 

 silent. Then there are birds that make sounds which take the place 

 of song. An example is the ruffed grouse with his drumming. 



