Rescued/Released Baby Birds Learn Songs?

Harry Fisher (fish8553@dpnet.net)
Sat, 30 May 1998 23:20:56 -0400


While feeding baby birds @ Tri-State Bird Rescue this week, it occurred
to me that these birds, when released, might not have the ability to
recognize their own species in the wild. If they lack a parental role
model for song, will they ever be able to learn the song particular to
their species?  Can these released birds ever become part of a breeding
population?  It disturbs me to think of so much time and money being
expended if this is the case.  My husband, listening to my thoughts,
summed up the situation as follows, " Well, they can always be hawk
food, and become part of the food chain "!!
Does anyone know of research that has been done on whether released song
birds, raised from incubator stage, can successfully learn songs &
breed?  Any thoughts/ opinions on this subject?  Marcia & I discussed
the matter while out birding today, we`re both rather curious.   Would
appreciate any input.  Thanks to those who answered to the Orioles &
Oranges.
Gone to the Birds, Leslie Fisher