Worcestershire Record No. 27 November 2009 p. 32

Paul Whitehead

On 14 March 2009 at Little Comberton (SO94) I heard the unmistakeable sound of a small skein of Greylag Geese approaching from the north-west. Remarkably, the sound was actually produced, without interruption, by a single Rook which passed overhead. The vocalisation was a perfect likeness, producing the continuity of sound made by a distant flock which, if far enough away, becomes a syncopated buzz not unlike that of a sewing machine.

Although corvids are well-known for their vocal repertoire, Rooks are less inclined to imitate than other crows, having reasonably standardised flight calls, which become more tremulous and higher-pitched when excited. Interestingly, this Rook was on a flight trajectory often used by passing Greylag Geese in winter as they cut across major meander loops in the River Avon.