Vocalizations -- species vs. individual?

[aether-drifter]

So I'm curious about something. For those that have experience with multiple birds of the same species, do you notice that your bird has a distinctive way of vocalizing? Could you tell his/her calls from those of a different individual of the same species?

I have the most experience with cockatiels out of any other species, and for the most part I can tell mine apart when they vocalize. Not always, but each does have his/her own particular shrieks, calls and chirps. I have also met a few different galahs, and though they sound alike each one had its own distinct vocal "quirks" as well.

Earlier today, I was at a local bird store picking up some food and they had a bare-eyed cockatoo/corella that I could almost bet my life is the same one I fostered last year. It makes me more than a little upset to think that it's her, since the person I rehomed her to was supposed to keep her or get in touch with me if she ever decided she couldn't. Including the bird store, she has had at least six homes by now.

I know all corellas pretty much look the same, so it might not be her, but she has the exact same vocalization patterns, mannerisms and attitude that my Lily did. She even says only one word, "Hi" -- same as Lily. And she went right up to me in the store and wanted cuddles, as though she recognized me.

The only thing that points to it maybe not being the same bird is that the store got her from a guy, and the person I rehomed her to was a woman. However, I think it's quite possible the lady rehomed Lily to someone else before she found her way to the store.

There are some numbers on the bird's leg band, but I can't remember what was on Lily's unfortunately.

I wish I could buy her back, but she was much too loud for my apartment -- the reason I couldn't keep her to begin with. I just can't stop wondering if it's really her.

 

[Kiwibird]

There is a "scared" noise I have heard my parents 2 amazons, Kiwi and other zons make that is pretty "universal". Kind of a low "urt urt urt" sound (hard to describe it). Other noises though, seem to be pretty unique. There are some *similar* melodic noises I have really only heard wild-caught zons make, but I could recognize Lucy's (my parents wild caught female) specific noises ANYWHERE. Stick 500 DYHs in a room, and I could pick Lucy out by her noises alone. I have yet to hear a captive bred make those noises, even the male who has been her "mate" for 40 years. Captive bed zons seem to make more high-pitched shrilly noises, clicks, grunts and whistle-like noises. Kiwi has his own very "special" set of noises I've never heard another bird of any species make, which include a honking noise I would also recognize anywhere.

I would not be surprised if the corella was 'yours'. Toos are unfortunately one of the most commonly rehomed birds because they are VERY loud. And they are very intelligent/bond strongly and can remember a loved one for a very long time (possibly forever). Even if it was her, sometimes situations are outside your control (being unable to keep her). I do hope this bird, whether Lily or not, finds a forever home soon. 6 homes is so many for a bird, poor little baby

 

[aether-drifter]

Thanks; I don't have proof but I really feel like it's her. I knew when I took her in that it might not work out, but it wanted to at least get her out of the situation she was in (being kept outside a lot in a rusty cage and fed nothing but wild bird seed). I wanted to keep her so badly, but the neighbors, my boyfriend and my other birds were not happy at all. At least, I thought I had found her a good home and done a good thing rescuing her.

What ticks me off (to put it nicely) is that I barely charged anything for a rehoming fee. The woman who had her obviously knew she could get more for Lily selling her to someone else than sticking to our agreement and getting back in touch with me.

 

[RavensGryf]

Some bird species it seems all the individuals pretty much look alike (more so than other species). I would also be curious if I were you. Too bad you don't remember the band ID.

As far as comparing same species voices, my Budgies sound identical to me. I had another BW Pionus, but not at the same time, so can't remember enough to compare. I think the individual vocal quirks as you say, may come from sounds in their living environment. I've always been curious with some of my Red Bellied's sounds, whether they're natural for the species or learned.

I know dogs of the same breed can sound different.

 

[BACON]

I had a jackdaw, had it from a baby and raised it to adult hood. He was allowed to come and go as he pleased. Now jackdaws have a varied ways of communicating but my bird only ever learnt to call in one way. I was always led to believe he was shot (I was on holiday at the time) but there's a jackdaw that's in the area that has the exact call to the bird I had. I did try calling him a few times but nothing. I really hope it's him, that he's flying freely with other jackdaws other than the other ending that could be his!!! Seems strange he's the only one!!!