Many birds vocalize in unique and sometimes unexpected ways that can be perplexing to listeners. Birds use their vocalizations for a variety of purposes, including defending territories, attracting mates, bonding with flock mates, and alarming others to danger. While most bird sounds are pleasant to our ears, some can be strange, comical, or even grating. One such vocalization resembles the high-pitched squeak of an old wheel that needs oil. This peculiar bird sound comes from the European starling.
Description of the European Starling’s Squeaky Call
The European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is a medium-sized bird native to Europe and parts of Asia. It has glossy black plumage covered in light speckles during winter months. While many of its vocalizations consist of melodious whistles, warbles, and chirps, the starling has a particular call that sounds like a rusty wheel turning. Ornithologists describe it as a continuous, high-pitched squeaking or screeching.
The squeaky call often occurs when a starling spots a predator while at rest. It will emit the loud, whiny squeaks while holding its body low and stiff in an aggressive stance. This mobbing behavior serves to alert other starlings to danger and scare the intruder away. An entire flock may join in the ruckus of squeaky alarm calls, creating a cacophony of noise.
While not the most appealing bird song, the squeaky wheel call of the starling serves an important purpose. The shrill quality helps the sound carry over long distances, quickly communicating threats to others. Though jarring to our ears, it has evolved as an effective warning system.
What Causes the Squeaky Sound
Several anatomical and physiological factors give the European starling the ability to produce its squeaky, wheel-like vocalizations.
First, starlings have a specialized vocal organ called the syrinx located at the junction of their trachea and bronchi. The syrinx contains vibrating tissues and muscles that allow birds to control the pitch, volume, and tone of their songs.
Second, starlings have extra-long vocal tracts compared to similar sized songbirds. They use their long trachea and esophagus to augment and manipulate sound.
Third, starlings have exceptional breath control that allows them to expel air in a slow, continuous stream as they vocalize. This steady airstream is necessary to generate the shrill, piercing noises.
Finally, starlings likely modifies the shape of their beaks to hit precise acoustic frequencies. By altering beak aperture and positioning their tongue, they can filter the sound to produce the exact squeaking pitch they want.
This unique anatomy gives starlings the physical tools to produce rusty wheel-like squeaks on command. The syrinx provides the source vibrations, the elongated vocal tract shapes the sound, steady breath powers it continuously, and the beak offers final sound tuning.
Evolutionary Advantages of a Squeaky Call
The European starling’s squeaky alarm call provides several evolutionary advantages that have helped the species thrive across Europe, North America, South Africa, and Australia.
First, the high-pitched nature of the squeaks allows them to travel long distances of over a mile in open terrain. This helps warn distant starling flocks about predatory threats so they can take appropriate action.
Second, the shrill quality is difficult for predators to localize, preventing them from pinpointing exactly where the squeaking starling is perched. This helps keep the vocalizing bird safer.
Third, the grating, annoying nature of the sound not only alerts other starlings, but may discourage predators from continuing their hunt. Some naturalists think the irritating squeaks purposefully annoy predators.
Finally, by alarming others to danger with specific predator-associated calls, individual starlings train flock-mates about threats. This leads to learned mobbing responses that help the colony survive into the future.
The odd squeaky wheel vocalization clearly provides survival value to European starlings despite our human dislike of the sound. It has endured because of the important communications it provides between flock members.
How the Starling Squeak Compares to Other Bird Sounds
The squeaky wheel call of the European starling differs markedly from the songs and calls of most backyard birds popular with birders. Below are some comparisons between the starling squeak and other bird vocalizations:
– Northern Cardinal – Clear, loud whistles are pleasing to hear.
– Black-capped Chickadee – Vocalizes friendly-sounding chick-a-dee-dee sounds.
– Tufted Titmouse – Sings cheerful and varied whistling sequences.
– American Robin – Lovely, melodious warbling songs.
– Blue Jay – Makes a wide range of bell-like and gurgling sounds.
– Great Horned Owl – Emits sonorous hoots.
– Red-tailed Hawk – Piercing screams sound imposing.
– Carolina Wren – Belts out rolling, joyful trills and teakettle songs.
– European Starling – Endless high-pitched, squeaky screeching.
As you can see, the starling’s squeak stands out as unusually abrasive and shrill compared to more tuneful birdsong. The harsh, squeaky quality is what makes it grab human attention while also transmitting well over distance as an alarm signal. It contrasts with the melodious notes of songbirds and the deep hoots of owls. The starling’s squeak is effective, if not always pleasant to hear.
Common Questions
Where can I hear the squeaky wheel calls of European starlings?
Starlings reside across North America and prefer open fields, pastures, suburbs, parks, and farms. Listen for their squeaky ruckus near barns, poles, trees, or other perches. Be alert to mobs of starlings emitting shrill alarm calls when a hawk or predator appears.
What other odd vocalizations do European starlings make?
In addition to squeaky wheel calls, starlings can make clicking, whistling, and creaking sounds. Young starlings beg for food with loud, buzzing whistles. Starlings often learn snippets of other bird songs and frequently incorporate them into their own varied vocalizations.
Why are European starlings disliked by many people?
Starlings are aggressive birds that often bully away native cavity-nesting birds like woodpeckers and swallows. Their large, noisy flocks cause problems near farms, homes, and commercial sites by contaminating food sources and structures. Starlings can be pests, but they are smart, social birds that are interesting to observe despite their flaws.
Do starling squeaks carry any specific meaning?
Research shows starlings have different variations of their squeaky call, with specific meanings. Lower-pitched squeaks seem to communicate mild alarm while higher-pitched versions convey urgent alarms. Length of calls also changes meaning. Understanding how starlings encode information in these squeaky sounds can reveal insights into bird language.
How can I discourage European starlings from nesting on my property?
Block access to potential nesting cavities by installing mesh, metal spikes, or slanted covers. Use bird repellent gel on ledges and rooflines. Trim back trees to reduce nesting spots. Install predator decoys like owls and hawks. Shiny objects like pinwheels, aluminum foil, and reflective tape may also deter starlings from roosting in unwanted areas on your property.
Conclusion
The comical squeaky wheel calls of European starlings intrigue both bird enthusiasts and casual listeners. The starling’s ability to produce such an obnoxious noise stems from adaptations like syringeal muscles, elongated vocal tracts, and a knack for breath control. The grating, whiny squeaks serve an important evolutionary function by warning others of danger, warding off predators, and transmitting information. Next time you hear a flock of starlings making shrill squeaking ruckuses, take a moment to appreciate the complex biology behind their voices. Just be glad we humans don’t have to communicate through such jarring, rusty screeches! While a necessary nuisance for starlings, we should be thankful for our own versatile forms of communication.
