How noisy are earthworms?

[molly]

I was watching our friendly blackbird this morning on the lawn cocking it's head to each side as if listening intently to the worms crawling about underneath. It got me wondering just how noisy are worms? Do they squiggle about whispering to each other in case they are overheard by 'Big Beak' above? Do they have a 'lookout worm'? secret tunnels? or are they just waiting for some worm to turn?

[sddsddean]

I'm afraid it is an old wives tale. They are not lisrening for worms, they are looking for them. As their eyes are on the side of their heads, it is the only way they can spot the slight movements in the soil, or if they are lucky, the worm itself.

[Cetti]

I much prefer your theories molly to the facts!! What you say about noisy worms is actually true. Worms have bristles on their bodies and they make a noise as they rustle along their tunnels - then the birds spot them and out they come and into the mouth.

So it's a combination of sight as well as sound.

[DrBi0TecH]

i think it's more like dean says, since bird (with few exceptions like owls) don't have ears. they DO hear, but without the outer structure like our ears, or the ears of a dog, cat, mouse, etc, they probably can�t hear too well. the noise a worm can make is (i guess) way too low for them to hear. plus, the eyes think is true.