Green catbird
Chapter 10: More birds! More Sounds!
Subchapter: More birds! More Sounds!—Australia
From page 170 in the book.
The green catbird, another bowerbird, is no relative of the North American gray catbird, but they're both named for their cat-like meowing, though this green one sounds more like a crying child stuck high up in the tree. The male doesn't build a fancy bower, but instead clears a small stage and displays there, trying to attract females by using colorful flowers, fruits, or leaves in his bill. I wonder if this catbird has a limited number of stereotyped cat-like mewing "songs," like other songbirds have set repertoires, or if, like a crying child, no two cries are alike.
♫719. With eastern whipbirds, golden whistlers, and others singing in the background. November 7, 2007. O'Reilly's Rainforest Rretreat, Lamington National Park, Queensland.(3:37)