The song “Figaro Figaro Figaro” is most commonly associated with an operatic aria sung by the character Figaro in the famous opera “The Barber of Seville” by Gioachino Rossini. However, there are actually several bird species that make calls or songs that sound similar to “Figaro”.
Birds That Sing Like Figaro
Here are some of the birds that are most well-known for their “Figaro” songs:
Northern Mockingbird
The Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) is known for its incredible ability to mimic the sounds of other birds and animals. Mockingbirds have very diverse repertoires and often incorporate sounds they hear in their environment into their songs. A mockingbird singing “Figaro” would be imitating the tune, not making its own distinct call.
Grey Catbird
Similar to the mockingbird, the Grey Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) is a mimic that can copy the vocalizations of over 100 different species. They are able to pick up sounds from birds, frogs, crickets, and many other animals. A catbird mimicking “Figaro” would be creatively integrating the tune into its repertoire after hearing it somewhere nearby.
Northern Cardinal
The familiar “cheer cheer cheer” song of the bright red male Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is sometimes interpreted as sounding like “Figaro”. The cadence and rhythm of the cardinal’s song shares some similarities with the tune. However, cardinals have distinctive vocalizations that are not imitations.
European Starling
European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) are another highly adept mimic. Their ability to incorporate novel sounds sets them apart from many other bird species. The tune “Figaro” would be easy for a starling to pick up and repeat in an uncanny operatic voice.
Figaro in Opera and Other Media
Before examining why certain birds sing like Figaro, it helps to understand the cultural significance of this operatic tune.
Figaro in “The Barber of Seville”
“Figaro Figaro Figaro!” comes from the opening scene of the opera “The Barber of Seville” by Italian composer Gioachino Rossini. The high-energy aria is sung by the character Figaro, a clever barber and jack-of-all-trades. The repeated “Figaros” mimic the sound of Figaro calling his own name.
Use in Other Operas and Cartoons
Given its distinct melody and lyrics, Rossini’s “Figaro” song has been referenced in many other operas and even in pop culture cartoons. In classical music, it is incorporated into operas like “The Marriage of Figaro” and “The Ghosts of Versailles.” It has also been used for comic effect in cartoons like “Looney Tunes”, “The Simpsons”, and “Animaniacs.”
Why Certain Birds Sing Like Figaro
Now that we’ve covered the origins of the “Figaro” tune, what is it exactly about this song that makes some bird species likely to imitate it?
Mimicry of Human Sounds
Birds like mockingbirds, catbirds, and starlings mimic human vocalizations and musical instruments along with other bird calls. Their ability to recreate human speech and song is impressive. The repetition and melody of the “Figaro” lyrics make it a compelling tune for mimic birds to replicate.
Distinct Cadence and Rhythm
The cadence (rhythmic sequence) of “Figaro Figaro Figaro” stands out with its triple repetition. Birds known for improvisation specifically can latch onto these rhythmic patterns and incorporate them into their own unique songs. The tune also alternates between high and low pitches.
Association with Human Habitats
Birds that thrive around human development like starlings and mockingbirds are more likely to pick up human-associated sounds like opera music. Their close proximity to people exposes them to a range of vocalizations.
Showing Off Song Prowess
Male birds often mimic sounds to showcase the breadth of their vocal skills in hopes of attracting mates. The complex melody of “Figaro” represents a challenging tune that mimic birds can master to impress potential partners.
Whimsy and Improvisation
Some birds seem to incorporate mimicked sounds simply for their own amusement or improvisation. The playful nature of the rapid “Figaro” lyrics lends itself to this type of informal song experimentation in birds.
Examples of Birds Singing Figaro
To help illustrate what the “Figaro” song sounds like when mimicked by different bird species, here are links to some video examples:
Bird Species | Video Example |
---|---|
Northern Mockingbird | Link |
Grey Catbird | Link |
European Starling | Link |
These remarkable mimics show off their versatility by expertly integrating the “Figaro” melody into their own unique songs.
When and Why Birds Sing Figaro
Birds don’t just randomly sing opera tunes; there are specific contexts around when they are most likely to mimic an elaborate song like “Figaro Figaro”:
Dawn and Dusk Chorus
Many birds sing most actively at dawn and dusk. Mimic birds take advantage of these chorus periods to show off their mimetic skills, including tunes like “Figaro.”
Attracting Mates
Mimicked human songs are common in male birds’ mating calls as they try to demonstrate their prowess. The complexity of “Figaro” represents an impressive vocal display.
Marking Territory
Birds will sing more aggressively and frequently when defending their nesting sites. Unique sounds like “Figaro” could help scare off intruders.
Responding to Stimuli
Mimics like mockingbirds incorporate new sounds from their environment regularly. If they hear a human singing “Figaro”, they may repeat it while responding.
Seasonal Changes
Some birds sing certain mimicries only during specific seasons or conditions. For example, a starling may mimic “Figaro” often in spring when establishing a territory but rarely in winter.
Year-round Vocal Practice
Many mimic species maintain large repertoires of sounds they’ve collected by singing them year-round. Repeating “Figaro” outside of breeding season helps them practice and remember it.
Interpreting Figaro Mimicry
When you encounter a bird belting out familiar opera tunes, how should you interpret that vocalization? Here are some key considerations:
Song Versatility and Quality
A varied and complex song like “Figaro” demonstrates a bird’s vocal control and skill. It may indicate an older, more experienced male mimic.
Curiosity and Playfulness
Mimicking unusual sounds out of context can also signal a curious, playful personality. Figaro-singing birds are keeping themselves entertained.
Territory Defense
Aggressive delivery of the “Figaro” motif likely indicates the bird is warning rivals away from its claimed space during breeding season.
Mating Potential
When directed at a female bird, an elaborate and accurate “Figaro” rendition says, “Look how well I can sing, choose me!”
Vocal Practice and Development
Non-aggressive “Figaro” repetition early/late in the day is probably just a mimic exercising its voice and abilities.
Conclusion
The iconic “Figaro Figaro Figaro” melody is immediately recognizable even when artfully mimicked by birds like the mockingbird, catbird, starling, and cardinal. These musical mimics creatively integrate the opera tune into their own diverse vocal repertoires for purposes ranging from attracting mates, defending territories, responding to fellow birds, practicing their skills, and simply amusing themselves.
So next time you hear rapid triplets ringing out from a backyard tree, listen closely – you just might hear a feathered Figaro calling his own name in playful opera fashion!