Resonance with Andrew: 'Bird vocal sacs' — Tuesday

Christy and Andrew explore how tiny birds produce massive sound through acoustic resonance and how birdsong has long inspired both science and music. You might think the loudest animal in the world must be massive — like an elephant or a lion. But think again. Scientists have discovered that the title actually goes to a tiny bird no bigger than a dove. Composers, ever inspired by nature, often listen to bird calls and turned them into music. Antonio Vivaldi wrote a very pretty flute concerto inspired by birdsong called “The little goldfinch.” Music in this episode: Vivaldi: "Il Gardellino" (The little goldfinch)