Pishing is a sound that birdwatchers make to attract small birds closer for better viewing. It involves making a high-pitched “pish pish pish” sound with the lips to mimic the call of a bird. This tricks small birds into thinking another bird is in distress, so they come closer to investigate or mob the source of the sound. Pishing allows birders to see shy birds up close that might otherwise remain hidden in vegetation. When done properly, pishing can bring sparrows, wrens, warblers, vireos, chickadees, nuthatches and other small passerines within just a few feet of the observer. It is an indispensable technique for any birder looking to improve their views of skittish songbirds.
What is the purpose of pishing?
The main purpose of pishing is to attract small passerine birds closer to the observer by mimicking one of their alarm or mobbing calls. Many small bird species will respond to the presence of a potential threat by giving alarm calls to alert other birds. They may also mob predators or other intruders by swooping in close together to harass the enemy. The pishing sound convinces the birds that a threat or rival bird is nearby, encouraging them to come in for a closer look. This allows birders to see the birds much better than if they remained hidden in foliage far away. Pishing brings shy and secretive species into view so they can be properly identified and admired.
How does pishing work to attract birds?
Pishing taps into small birds’ natural instincts to mob potential threats in order to drive them away from their territory. When they hear the pishing sound, they are tricked into thinking a rival bird or predator is nearby. The small birds will immediately come together to harass the supposed intruder by getting close and making alarm or aggression calls. They do this to work together to drive the intruder away or distract it from nests or feeding areas. Even birds that would normally remain hidden are emboldened by the presence of the mob. The sight of other birds apparently in distress triggers their instinct to join in. So pishing brings together many small passerines by exploiting their mobbing behavior.
When is pishing most effective?
Pishing is most effective under certain conditions when birds are most responsive:
- During spring migration – birds react strongly to defend nesting territory.
- Early in the morning – birds are most active and responsive.
- During nesting season – birds are protective of nests and young.
- Around water features – birds congregate naturally.
- Near bird feeders – territorial behavior is provoked.
Pishing provokes the strongest response when birds are already gathered in prime habitat and aroused to exhibit territorial behavior. It is less effective when birds are dispersed, inactive or behaving non-territorially during migration or winter.
What species of birds respond to pishing?
The following small passerine species are most likely to respond to pishing sounds:
Species | Examples |
---|---|
Sparrows | Chipping, Song, White-throated |
Wrens | House, Winter, Carolina |
Warblers | Yellow, Yellow-rumped, Palm, Pine |
Vireos | Red-eyed, Warbling, Philadelphia |
Chickadees | Black-capped, Carolina |
Larger or less territorial species like crows, jays, woodpeckers, doves and waterfowl do not usually respond as strongly to pishing.
How do you make an effective pishing sound?
To make a proper pishing sound:
- Form lips into a small circle shape, as if you were going to whistle.
- Make a loud “pish pish pish” sound by blowing air out between your lips.
- Let the sound rise and fall in pitch – “pish PISH pish pish”.
- Make the sound short, urgent and rhythmic like a chatter.
- Start softly, get louder, then taper off again.
- Pausing between pishing spurts keeps birds interested.
The key is to mimic a repetitive, somewhat harsh bird alarm call. Practice different pitches and rhythms to perfect your pishing sound for maximum effectiveness.
What are some pishing tips and techniques?
Here are some useful tips for successfully pishing birds:
Be patient
It takes time for curious birds to pinpoint the sound and decide to respond. Keep pishing in short bursts for 5-10 minutes before giving up.
Use sparingly
Don’t over-pish the same area too frequently or birds become desensitized. Use occasionally for best results.
Try different spots
If pishing in one spot isn’t working, quietly move to a new area nearby and try again for a different set of birds.
Pair with squeaking
Combine pishing with a squeaking sound by kissing the back of your hand. The mix of sounds seems to work better than pishing alone.
Hide from view
Stay hidden from the birds’ sightline while pishing so they can’t easily locate you and lose interest.
Watch the results
When birds respond, stay quiet and still so you don’t scare them off. Enjoy the close-up views.
Why is pishing controversial?
Though a harmless birding practice, pishing has become controversial in recent years due to concerns that it may negatively impact birds in some cases. Critics argue pishing may:
- Distract birds from more vital activities like feeding.
- Disrupt breeding birds during nesting season.
- Force birds to expend unnecessary energy responding.
- Make birds more vulnerable to real predators.
- Habituate birds to human presence and noise.
However, most ornithologists agree that moderate, occasional pishing has negligible effects when done properly. Still, it is best practice not to pish near rare nests or during migration when birds need to focus on foraging. As with any birding activity, ethical pishing requires respecting the subject animals.
Conclusion
When used carefully and courteously, pishing remains an outstanding trick for bringing shy woodland birds into view. The technique takes practice but offers birders unparalleled looks at secretive species that would normally remain concealed. Just be sure to pish sparingly and stay alert to any signs of distress. Responsible pishing provides a rewarding up-close glimpse into the lives of wild birds without disturbing their natural behavior.