[Douglbirds] Singing female

[KarenSMetz at cs.com]

One of the several Cassin's Finches that's been singing at our home is a 
female.  I observed her for several minutes today and she sang a long and lovely 
song.  

I once observed a female Eastern Bluebird that sang the standard EABL song 
after she had lost a fight to another female, and I've read (in Kroodsma, e.g.) 
about a few eastern species (cardinal, titmouse, e.g) in which females may 
sing.

I understand that this characteristic is considered uncommon or certainly 
underdeveloped among songbirds in Colorado and the western states, but I ask for 
readers to post comments. I'm wondering what females of other species might be 
singing here (other finches, or crossbills, e.g., a bird of the most recent 
evolutionary development?)  

Thanks in advance for your time and sharing any observations.


Karen Metz
Franktown/Deerfield   
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