Unusual imitation and song syntax in a Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs during pre-breeding season

Abstract

Song development and singing behaviour in Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) have been extensively studied. Vocal imitation by a wild Chaffinch individual, however, has previously been reported only once. Here, a Chaffinch individual singing with a highly aberrant repertoire is reported. A total of 173 songs of nine song types were recorded including song elements that resembled Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) and Nuthatch (Sitta europaea). Unlike the typical Chaffinch song that includes repetitions of two to three distinct song types, this individual sang mostly by switching among these song types in subsequent phrases.