Mimetic Dimensions of Bird-Human Interactions: The Use of Bird Sound Imitations among Estonian Birders

Abstract

Abstract This paper explores bird sound imitation as a particular type of interspecies interaction. Using questionnaires, interviews, and participatory observations, a survey was conducted among Estonian birders to find out about the prevalence of the practice, the diversity of imitated species, the means of imitation, and the attitudes of birders towards the use of recordings in the field. The study found that 55 species of birds from 11 orders were imitated and using one’s own voice was the most common way of imitating birds. The choice of the method of imitation depended on the purpose and context of imitation. Most birders supported the use of playbacks for scientific purposes, but not for daily birding. With the easy availability of playback technologies, there are increased concerns about the ubiquitous presence of disturbing factors. At the same time, however, the technological boundlessness is balanced by the heightened ethical self-reflection of birders.