The Common Chaffinch, a species native to Europe and known for its song, has a vocalisation known as the “rain call.” This call, often described as a soft, repetitive “pink-pink” or “fink-fink,” has intrigued ornithologists for centuries. The rain call has historically been believed to predict rain, a belief deeply rooted in European folklore. Introduced to South Africa, particularly around Cape Town, the chaffinch brings with it this fascinating vocal behaviour.
How does it sound?
The rain call is characterised by its simplicity and plaintive tone. It differs significantly from the chaffinch’s complex song used for mating and territorial purposes. Despite its name, the connection between this call and actual precipitation remains unclear.
A comprehensive study by de Framond et al. (2024) explored this phenomenon across various geographical and temporal scales. The researchers analysed recordings from the Xeno-Canto archive, conducted surveys in Germany, and monitored selected males. But their findings suggest that there is no significant correlation between rain calls and rainfall. Instead, the occurrence of rain calls was more closely associated with social contexts. This is particularly relevant near a female, indicating a potential role in pair bonding rather than weather prediction. Perhaps climate change is messing with their predictive abilities?
The rain call of the Common Chaffinch is an interesting aspect of avian communication. While the recent research has shed light on its potential social functions, much remains to be explored, especially in regions like South Africa where the species has been introduced. South Africa provides a unique context to observe the rain call outside its native range. Although the study by de Framond and colleagues focused on European populations, the presence of chaffinches in Cape Town raises intriguing questions about whether similar behaviours are exhibited in this different environment and whether our local population might be better weather forecasters.
How you can help
Bird enthusiasts in South Africa are encouraged to contribute to global knowledge bases by recording and sharing their observations of chaffinch rain calls on platforms like Xeno Canto or Cornell’s Macauley Library. Your contributions can help unravel the mysteries of bird calls and their relevance in different environmental contexts.
Feature image of a Common Chaffinch by Eugene Stolyarov
References: de Framond, L., Müller, R., Feuerriegel, L., & Brumm, H. (2024). Do the rain calls of Chaffinches indicate rain? Journal of Ornithology, 165, 615–625. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10336-024-02153-4