The great kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus) is a passerine bird in the family Tyrannidae. It is found throughout much of South America and Central America. The great kiskadee is known for its loud, distinctive call. But what exactly does a great kiskadee sound like? In this article, we will explore the different vocalizations of the great kiskadee in detail.
The Great Kiskadee’s Main Call
The most recognizable vocalization of the great kiskadee is its loud, ringing call. This call is often described as sounding like “kis-ka-DEE” or “BEE-shar” or “pitangus.” The call is loud, sharp, and penetrating. It carries over long distances.
Great kiskadees utter this call repeatedly when establishing a breeding territory. The call serves to communicate with other great kiskadees in the area. It establishes the boundaries of their territory and attracts potential mates. Both male and female great kiskadees make this call.
Here is a brief description of the great kiskadee’s main call:
– Starts with two short, high-pitched notes – “KIS-ka”
– Followed by a louder, descending whistle – “DEE”
– Call lasts 1-2 seconds in total
– Often repeated in a series, up to 20 times over
– Carries well over long distances
To get a better sense of what this iconic call sounds like, listen to these audio clips:
[Insert audio clip of great kiskadee call]
As you can hear, the great kiskadee’s call is loud, ringing, and very distinctive. Once you’ve heard it, it’s easy to recognize. The “kis-ka-DEE” pattern is unique among South American birds.
Other Common Vocalizations
In addition to the main call, great kiskadees have other common vocalizations. These subtler sounds communicate different messages.
Chattering Call
Great kiskadees make a fast, high-pitched chattering sound in aggressive encounters. It signals a warning to potential rivals or threats. It often occurs when disputing territory boundaries or access to resources. The vocalization has an urgent, intense sound:
– Rapid series of 10+ high-pitched, dry notes
– Each note lasts for just a fraction of a second
– Overall effect is a sputtering chatter
[Insert audio clip of chattering call]
Harsh Scolding Call
Another common call is a harsh, low-pitched scolding sound. Great kiskadees make this call when disturbed by predators or humans. It signals alarm or agitation. The call is slower and deeper than the chattering vocalization.
– Series of low, grating notes
– Notes are more widely spaced than the chattering call
– Has a raspy, throaty, scolding quality
[Insert audio clip of harsh scolding call]
Begging Calls of Nestlings
Nestling great kiskadees have their own distinct vocalizations when begging for food. These calls allow the parents to locate their chicks in the nest. The calls tend to be loud, frequent, and high-pitched.
– Loud, repetitive, whistle-like notes
– Often given in sets of 3-5 notes in a row
– High-pitched, with a piercing, pleading quality
– Given frequently and persistently to solicit feeding
[Insert audio clip of nestling begging call]
Soft Chatter Between Mates
Great kiskadees also have soft, chattering vocalizations used between mates. These gentle calls help maintain the pair bond and signal reassurance. They often occur during nest building, breeding, or resting periods.
– Low-volume, murmuring chatter
– Given in short bursts of 6-10 low, warbled notes
– Has an intimate, affectionate quality
[Insert audio clip of soft chatter between mates]
Differences Between Birds
While the main call of the great kiskadee is very consistent, there can be subtle differences between individuals. Factors like age, sex, and location can influence the pitch, tone, and other qualities.
Age Variations
Younger great kiskadees often have a slightly higher-pitched and less resonant call. Their voices may waver or crack at times. With experience, the birds gain strength and control, allowing them to produce the quintessential ringing call.
Regional Dialects
There are also some regional dialects based on location. Birds in Costa Rica may sound slightly different than birds in Argentina, for example. The differences are minor but can be detected with careful listening. They likely arise due to generations of birds in an area developing locality-specific vocalizations.
Individual Variation
Individual great kiskadees can often be identified by slight variations in their calls. While the overall pattern remains the same, one bird may have a deeper, richer voice, while another has a higher pitch or different cadence. Familiar listeners can learn to recognize specific birds by these signature details.
Functions of the Great Kiskadee’s Call
The great kiskadee’s loud, ringing call serves several important functions:
Territory Defense
The primary purpose of the call is territory announcement. By clearly broadcasting their presence, great kiskadees proclaim ownership of an area. This allows them to defend resources needed for breeding. Any rival kiskadees are alerted to stay away.
Attracting Mates
In addition to deterring rivals, the call also helps attract potential mates. A loud, resonant call signals that a great kiskadee is fit, healthy, and ready to breed. Kiskadees seeking partners will listen for the best callers.
Maintaining Contact
Great kiskadees are often found in pairs or family groups. Regular calling allows them to maintain contact with their mate or offspring as they forage across a territory. The calls provide reassurance as well as helping relocate one another.
Alarm Signal
The great kiskadee has a sentinel-like role in mixed flocks. Its loud call can function as an alarm signal, warning other birds of potential danger. The kiskadees are often among the first to detect threats.
Unique Adaptations for Sound Production
Great kiskadees possess some unique anatomical adaptations specifically for producing their loud, far-reaching calls:
Large Syrinx
The syrinx is the avian equivalent of the larynx or voice box in mammals. Great kiskadees have an oversized syrinx to generate their booming vocalizations. The larger size equates to increased sound amplification.
Modified Feather Shape
They also have specially modified feathers around their throat and mouth. These feathers have rounded tips that help project the sound outwards. Normal pointed feather tips would otherwise dampen and muffle vocalizations.
Large Beak Gape
When calling, great kiskadees open their beak wide to create a large gape. This allows the unimpeded passage of sound outwards. A smaller beak would inhibit the resonance of the vocalization.
Combined, these adaptations allow great kiskadees to produce their namesake call that can be perceived over a kilometer away on a calm morning. The call transmits well across open habitats like grasslands, helping define territories.
Reactions and Responses to the Call
The great kiskadee’s loud, ringing call tends to generate strong reactions from other animals:
Alerting Other Birds
As mentioned, the call can function as an alarm signal to other bird species. The sudden onset of calling will cause flocks to become more vigilant. They may perch upright and scan for predators.
Warning Off Rivals
If another kiskadee is in the area, the call may trigger a countersinging response. This results in a vocal duel establishing territory boundaries. The outcome depends on the persistence and vocal stamina of each bird.
Attracting Mates
A vigorous solo caller advertising its presence may attract an interested single kiskadee of the opposite sex. This can lead to pairing up and breeding.
Defense Against Predators
Some predators may be deterred by the loud call. Nest predators like snakes and monkeys often prefer stealth and the element of surprise. A vigilant, noisy kiskadee is avoided.
Ignoring Human Disturbance
Because of their bold nature, great kiskadees often inhabit areas of human settlement. They become habituated to human presence and noise. Their loud calls can be given right next to houses, continuing unabated.
Significance of Call in Latin American Culture
The iconic call of the great kiskadee also features in Latin American poetry, folklore, and popular culture:
Wide Appearance in Place Names
Many locations in Latin America reference the great kiskadee in their names. This reflects the bird’s ubiquity across the region as well as the recognizability of its vocalization. Examples include Caicara del Orinoco in Venezuela and Pitangus Sulphuratus Station in Sao Paulo.
Subject of Poetry and Folklore
The distinctive vocalization of the great kiskadee has inspired poetry and folk tales across Latin America. In some cultures, the bird is considered chatty and confiding. Its incessant calling is perceived as comical or annoying.
Indicator of Territoriality
The association of the great kiskadee with its loud call has embedded it into Latin American culture as an indicator of territorial behavior. The bird epitomizes the notion of boldly announcing one’s presence and claiming an area.
Annoying Colonizer
In some regions, the great kiskadee is viewed as a brash, noisy colonizer. As it readily occupies human settlements, its constant calling is seen as intrusive. The bird has earned names like “noisy Juan” and “Juan the Troublesome.”
Mascot and Company Namesake
The familiarity of the great kiskadee has led to its use as a sports team mascot in places like Brazil. Its name and image have also been adopted by various Latin American companies wanting to project a bold, conspicuous image.
Conclusion
The great kiskadee’s loud, ringing call is one of the most iconic sounds of the American tropics and subtropics. Its “kis-ka-DEE” vocalization carries for long distances, allowing the birds to effectively claim breeding territories and attract mates. The call has a universal quality but can show regional and individual variation. It is produced thanks to special anatomical adaptations like an oversized syrinx. Reactions to the call range from alertness to annoyance. But one thing is clear – wherever you travel across Latin America, once you learn the voice of the great kiskadee, you won’t forget it! The call is an integral part of the tropical soundscape.