This has been a super informative thread...but I am very disturbed about some of the results; for example, I have a singing bird (somewhat like the one Jerry Reed sang about in his song "The Bird") but mine is not as talented as his. In particular, it can only sing parts of various tunes (but each include some melody) including Happy Birthday, but, wow, now I find out and I quote: 'If you sing "Happy Birthday" at a private birthday party, you are in violation of the law' (I believe Notes pointed this out).

My bird usually sings in the presence of whatever visitors we have, so based on what I now understand from this thread, my bird could "go to the clink", right? Does anyone want to buy a bird...cheap? I wonder if the singing dogs we've seen on Letterman and (previously) Leno had to pay a royalty (seriously)? Actually, I guess the animal (or bird) owners along with their talented pets would, both, go to the clink in these situations if royalties were not handled properly, right? Hopefully, they could share the same cell!!

I gotta shower and go to work...I've just got to remember to sing (or whistle) low enough in the shower not to be heard....on second thought I'll just sing (or whistle) rhythm to something indistinguishable to be safe.

Thanks for everyone's insight into all this...have a great day but be careful with your humming in the workplace,
cchallum