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Sierro J, de Kort SR, Hartley IR. A limit to sustained performance constrains trill length in birdsong. iScience 2023; 26:108206. [PMID: 37953962 PMCID: PMC10637923 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
In birds, song performance determines the outcome of contests over crucial resources. We hypothesized that 1) sustained performance is limited within song, resulting in a performance decline towards the end and 2) the impact of song length is compromised if performance declines. To test these hypotheses, we analyzed the songs of 597 bird species (26 families) and conducted a playback experiment on blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus). Our multi-species analysis showed that song performance declines after sustained singing, supporting our hypothesis. If the performance decline is determined by individual attributes (i.e., physical condition), our results explain how trill length can honestly signal quality. Our experiment showed that longer trills of high performance elicited a stronger response during territorial interactions. However, long trills that declined in performance elicited a weaker response than short, high-performance trills. A trade-off between the duration and performance quality of a motor display can be an important aspect in communication across taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Sierro
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Selvino R. de Kort
- Ecology and Environment Research Centre, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M15 6BH, UK
| | - Ian R. Hartley
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
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2
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Using Acoustic Data Repositories to Study Vocal Responses to Playback in a Neotropical Songbird. BIRDS 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/birds4010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Birds may alter song structure in response to territorial challenges to convey information about aggressive intent or fighting ability. Professional and amateur ornithologists upload daily many birdsong recordings into acoustic data repositories, usually scoring whether songs were recorded in response to a conspecific playback or produced spontaneously. We analyzed recordings from these repositories to evaluate if song traits of Rufous-browed Peppershrikes (Cyclarhis gujanensis) vary between playback-elicited songs and spontaneous songs. For each recording after playback, we chose one spatially closer spontaneous recording to avoid geographic bias. Birds recorded after playback produced slightly longer songs than birds that were singing spontaneously. This result was accounted for by increases in the amount of sound and silence within a song after the playback instead of changes in the mean number or duration of elements. Playback did not alter song frequency parameters (bandwidth, minimum, mean, and maximum frequencies) or song rate. These results indicate that song duration might mediate aggressive interactions in Rufous-browed Peppershrikes. Even considering limitations such as unknown playback stimulus identity and possible pseudoreplication, acoustic data repositories give a unique yet unexplored opportunity to gather insights into the evolution of song flexibility during aggressive encounters.
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3
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Opaev AS. The Communicative Value of Complex Singing in Passerine Birds. BIOL BULL+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359022100168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
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4
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Sierro J, de Kort SR, Riebel K, Hartley IR. Female blue tits sing frequently: a sex comparison of occurrence, context, and structure of song. Behav Ecol 2022; 33:912-925. [PMID: 36382229 PMCID: PMC9639586 DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arac044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In species with mutual mate choice, we should expect adaptive signaling in both sexes. However, the role of female sexual signals is generally understudied. A case in point is female birdsong that has received considerably less attention than male song. This holds even for well-studied species such as the blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus), an important model in evolutionary ecology. Although there have been anecdotal reports of female song from three populations, there are no quantitative studies on female song in this species. Here, we report systematic sampling from a population of individually marked blue tits over 3 years, revealing that females sang frequently throughout the sampling period. Notably, daytime singing of females occurred in functionally similar contexts as in males (agonistic, solo song, and alarm contexts) but females had lower song output than males and were not observed singing dawn song, while males showed long singing displays at dawn before copulations take place. Female and male song overlapped substantially in acoustic structure (i.e., same song types or peak frequency) but females had smaller individual song-type repertoires, shorter trills, and lower vocal consistency. Differential selection pressures related to functional differences in male and female song might explain the observed variation in acoustic structure. With the first quantitative study of female song in such a well-studied species, we hope to stimulate further investigations into the functions of female singing, especially in the Northern temperate zones where female song may have been overlooked, not only in this but perhaps in other monomorphic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Sierro
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, LEC Building, Lancaster, UK
| | - Selvino R de Kort
- Ecology and Environment Research Centre, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, E437 John Dalton Building, Manchester Campus, Manchester, UK
| | - Katharina Riebel
- Institute of Biology (IBL), Leiden University, Room number 7.4.17, Sylvius Building, Sylviusweg 72, Leiden 2333 BE, The Netherlands
| | - Ian R Hartley
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, LEC Building, Lancaster, UK
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5
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Ferreira LS, Sábato V, Pinheiro TA, Neto E, Rocha LH, Baumgarten J, Rodrigues FH, Sousa-Lima RS. Long-Distance Counter Calling in Maned Wolves: Friends or Foes? Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12091081. [PMID: 35565508 PMCID: PMC9099685 DOI: 10.3390/ani12091081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) are monogamous and display biparental care for their young, although adults rarely spend time in close proximity. To better understand vocal interactions of maned wolves over long-distances, we passively recorded >10 months of audio data in the species’ natural habitat and analyzed manual recordings of captive animals, covering the reproductive and non-reproductive seasons. In the natural habitat recordings, we found that maned wolves engage in vocal exchanges (termed interactive sequences) more often during the mating season, suggesting the existence of a partner attraction/reunion/guarding function, and also during the initial parental care period, suggesting communication among caregivers. We analyzed 21 interactive sequences, which were the only instances in which we could distinguish individuals, and found that the individuals interacting differed significantly in their roar-bark parameters, including duration, which also differed between males and females in captivity (male vocalizations were, on average, 0.124 s longer). We also found that interactive sequences in captive animals, involving two or more participants, almost always involved both sexes. These results suggest that acoustic interacting maned wolves are most likely male−female dyads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luane S. Ferreira
- Laboratory of Bioacoustics, Department of Physiology & Behavior, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, RN, Brazil; (L.S.F.); (V.S.); (T.A.P.); (E.N.); (L.H.R.); (R.S.S.-L.)
| | - Victor Sábato
- Laboratory of Bioacoustics, Department of Physiology & Behavior, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, RN, Brazil; (L.S.F.); (V.S.); (T.A.P.); (E.N.); (L.H.R.); (R.S.S.-L.)
| | - Thiago A. Pinheiro
- Laboratory of Bioacoustics, Department of Physiology & Behavior, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, RN, Brazil; (L.S.F.); (V.S.); (T.A.P.); (E.N.); (L.H.R.); (R.S.S.-L.)
| | - Edvaldo Neto
- Laboratory of Bioacoustics, Department of Physiology & Behavior, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, RN, Brazil; (L.S.F.); (V.S.); (T.A.P.); (E.N.); (L.H.R.); (R.S.S.-L.)
| | - Luciana H. Rocha
- Laboratory of Bioacoustics, Department of Physiology & Behavior, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, RN, Brazil; (L.S.F.); (V.S.); (T.A.P.); (E.N.); (L.H.R.); (R.S.S.-L.)
| | - Júlio Baumgarten
- Applied Ecology and Conservation Lab, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45662-900, BA, Brazil
- Correspondence:
| | - Flávio H. Rodrigues
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil;
| | - Renata S. Sousa-Lima
- Laboratory of Bioacoustics, Department of Physiology & Behavior, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, RN, Brazil; (L.S.F.); (V.S.); (T.A.P.); (E.N.); (L.H.R.); (R.S.S.-L.)
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6
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Dickerson AL, Rowland JA, Trama AJE, Wraith‐Franck D, Hall ML. Male and female Australian magpie‐larks respond differently to variation in song frequency (pitch). Ethology 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.13254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica A. Rowland
- Centre for Integrative Ecology School of Life and Environmental Sciences Deakin University Burwood Vic. Australia
| | - Asher J. E. Trama
- School of BioSciences The University of Melbourne Parkville Vic. Australia
| | | | - Michelle L. Hall
- School of BioSciences The University of Melbourne Parkville Vic. Australia
- Bush Heritage Australia Melbourne Vic. Australia
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Western Australia, Crawley WA Australia
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Silva-Jr EF, Diniz P, Macedo RH. Song varies with latitude, climate, and species richness in a Neotropical bird. Behav Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arab112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Animals can encode information within acoustic signals, particularly, bird songs can be remarkably complex and can indicate individual identity and quality. Two main sets of hypotheses attempt to explain the evolution of increased birdsong complexity across large-scale geographic ranges: 1) larger acoustic space availability, and 2) greater sexual selection intensity, both of which would favor the evolution of more complex songs at higher latitudes, more seasonal and/or species-poor environments. However, few studies have assessed patterns of song complexity for birds with broad geographic ranges. Here, we determined patterns of song variation in the blue-black grassquit (Volatinia jacarina), considering metrics of song complexity, structure and performance. This Neotropical bird occurs from Mexico to Argentina and produces a monosyllabic song. Using recordings from online databases, we calculated song metrics, such as bandwidth, song rate, number of song components, and proportion of vibratos of this signal. We found that song features varied with latitude, climate seasonality, bird species richness, and hemisphere. However, contrary to theoretical predictions, complexity mostly decreased with latitude and greater seasonality, while it was positively correlated with bird species richness. Proportion of vibratos was positively correlated with latitude and seasonality, and may be a feature under sexual selection in this species. Overall, our results did not support the main hypotheses proposed as explanations for song complexity. Our findings also highlight that song complexity does not vary uniformly among songbirds and song parameters, and future studies encompassing more species should clarify patterns and drivers of song variation across broad geographic dimensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edvaldo F Silva-Jr
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- Laboratório de Comportamento Animal, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Pedro Diniz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- Laboratório de Comportamento Animal, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Regina H Macedo
- Laboratório de Comportamento Animal, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
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8
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Deoniziak K, Osiejuk TS. Seasonality and social factors, but not noise pollution, influence the song characteristics of two leaf warbler species. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257074. [PMID: 34473797 PMCID: PMC8412285 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in the acoustic signalling of animals occupying urban ecosystems is often associated with the masking effects of noise pollution, but the way in which they respond to noise pollution is not straightforward. An increasing number of studies indicate that responses can be case specific, and some species have been found to respond differently to high levels of natural versus anthropogenic noise, as well as different levels of the latter. While the perception of noise between species may vary with its source, amplitude and temporal features, some species may possess broader environmental tolerance to noise pollution, as they use higher frequency vocalizations that are less masked by low-frequency urban noise. In this study, we explored the song variation of two closely related leaf warblers, the Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita and the Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus, inhabiting urban green spaces and nonurban forests. The main goal of our study was to evaluate the impact of moderate levels of noise pollution on the songs of species which use higher frequency vocalizations and large frequency bandwidth. Previous studies found that the Common Chiffchaff modified their song in response to intense noise pollution, while no such data is available for the Willow Warbler. However, the majority of urban green spaces, which serve as wildlife hot spots in urban environments are usually polluted with moderate noise levels, which may not mask the acoustic signals of species that communicate with higher frequency. We analysed the spectral and temporal song parameters of both warblers and described the ambient noise present in males’ territories. Additionally, we looked at the social and seasonal aspects of bird song, since there is more than just noise in urban ecosystems which may affect acoustic communication. We found no evidence for noise-related bird song divergence in either species, however, we showed that social factors, time of day and season influence certain Common Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler song characteristics. Lack of noise-related bird song divergence may be due to the relatively low variation in its amplitude or other noise features present within the song frequency range of the studied species. Similar results have previously been shown for a few songbird species inhabiting urban ecosystems. Although in many cases such results remain in the shadow of the positive ones, they all contribute to a better understanding of animal communication in urban ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Deoniziak
- Department of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
- Laboratory of Insect Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Białystok, Poland
- * E-mail:
| | - Tomasz S. Osiejuk
- Department of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
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9
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Winandy GSM, Félix RP, Sacramento RA, Mascarenhas R, Batalha-Filho H, Japyassú HF, Izar P, Slabbekoorn H. Urban Noise Restricts Song Frequency Bandwidth and Syllable Diversity in Bananaquits: Increasing Audibility at the Expense of Signal Quality. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.570420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic noise can interfere with animal behavior through masking of acoustic communication. In response to masking, animals may change their acoustic signals as an apparent adjustment strategy, but this may have a drawback on signal quality. Songs and calls may show noise-dependent changes in frequency and duration, which may yield some masking avoidance, but may also constrain other acoustic parameters that might carry information about the sender. In the present study, we investigated whether noise-dependent reduction in frequency bandwidth or song duration restricted syllable diversity or song elaboration in a Neotropical songbird, the bananaquit (Coereba flaveola). We show that bananaquits sing higher frequency songs, of narrower bandwidth, in noisier territories, independent of variation in territory density, without significant variation in song duration. We also show that songs with higher minimum frequencies, narrower bandwidths, and shorter durations have on average a lower number of syllable types and higher syllable rates. This finding is in line with an acoustic restriction and may reflect a functional trade-off between audibility and signal value: higher frequencies may be more audible but less elaborate songs may weaken the message of sender quality. Consequently, noise pollution may not only alter avian communities, but also shape acoustic diversity and processes of sexual selection in urban environments.
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10
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Winandy GSM, Japyassú HF, Izar P, Slabbekoorn H. Noise-Related Song Variation Affects Communication: Bananaquits Adjust Vocally to Playback of Elaborate or Simple Songs. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.570431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Birds communicate through acoustic variation in their songs for territorial defense and mate attraction. Noisy urban conditions often induce vocal changes that can alleviate masking problems, but that may also affect signal value. We investigated this potential for a functional compromise in a neotropical songbird: the bananaquit (Coereba flaveola). This species occurs in urban environments with variable traffic noise levels and was previously found to reduce song elaboration in concert with a noise-dependent reduction in song frequency bandwidth. Singing higher and in a narrower bandwidth may make their songs more audible in noisy conditions of low-frequency traffic. However, it was unknown whether the associated decrease in syllable diversity affected their communication. Here we show that bananaquits responded differently to experimental playback of elaborate vs. simple songs. The variation in syllable diversity did not affect general response strength, but the tested birds gave acoustically distinct song replies. Songs had fewer syllables and were lower in frequency and of wider bandwidth when individuals responded to elaborate songs compared to simple songs. This result suggests that noise-dependent vocal restrictions may change the signal value of songs and compromise their communicative function. It remains to be investigated whether there are consequences for individual fitness and how such effects may alter the diversity and density of the avian community in noisy cities.
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11
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Rufous horneros perceive and alter temporal coordination of duets during territorial interactions. Anim Behav 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2021.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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12
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Wang J, Yang C. Specific responses of cuckoo hosts to different alarm signals according to breeding stage: a test of the offspring value hypothesis. Curr Zool 2020; 66:649-655. [PMID: 33391364 PMCID: PMC7769587 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoaa021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The selective pressure exerted by avian brood parasites forces their hosts to evolve specific defense strategies. When subject to brood parasite attack, avian hosts will often emit alarm calls. To date, few studies have examined whether and how host responses to different alarm calls indicative of different enemies vary with the host's breeding stage. We carried out alarm call playback experiments during both the egg and nestling stages of the oriental reed warbler Acrocephalus orientalis, a host of the common cuckoo Cuculus canorus. The playback exemplars were selected from recorded alarm calls of the warbler to the presence of common cuckoos, sparrowhawks Accipiter nisus, and oriental turtle doves Streptopelia orientalis, which represented brood parasite, predator, and harmless control, respectively. The results showed that the oriental reed warblers did not discriminate alarm calls issued to different intruder types, but the intensity of the response was significantly higher in the nestling stage than in the egg stage. Attack behavior related to sparrowhawk alarm calls was absent in the egg stage, but aggressive behavior increased dramatically and exceeded the attack frequency in response to the cuckoo alarm call in the nestling stage, implying a shift in the tradeoff between the parents' own survival and the loss of offspring. Alarm calls attracted a larger number of conspecifics than members of other species. In general, the oriental reed warbler had consistently stronger responses to different alarm calls in the nestling stage than in the egg stage, supporting the offspring value hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaojiao Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158, China
| | - Canchao Yang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158, China
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Ansell D, Magrath RD, Haff TM. Song matching in a long‐lived, sedentary bird with a low song rate: The importance of song type, song duration and intrusion. Ethology 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.13090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dean Ansell
- Division of Ecology and Evolution Research School of Biology Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
- National Parks and Wildlife Service Merimbula NSW Australia
| | - Robert D. Magrath
- Division of Ecology and Evolution Research School of Biology Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Tonya M. Haff
- Division of Ecology and Evolution Research School of Biology Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
- Australian National Wildlife CollectionCSIRO Acton ACT Australia
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14
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Ivanitskii V, Ilina I, Marova I. The sounds between the strophes: different chiffchaff taxa perform different tret calls in their song. BIOACOUSTICS 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/09524622.2020.1796788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Ivanitskii
- Department of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Irina Ilina
- Department of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Irina Marova
- Department of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation
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15
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Experimental test of the communicative value of syllable diversity and syllable switching in the common chiffchaff. Anim Behav 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2020.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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16
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Stidham TA. Evaluating hypotheses for the function of the ‘hissing’ stridulation of sun spiders (Arachnida Solifugae). ETHOL ECOL EVOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/03949370.2019.1691056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A. Stidham
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 142 Xi Zhi Men Wai Da Jie, Beijing 100044, China; CAS – Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Beijing 100044, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China (E-mail: )
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17
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Weir JT, Price TD. Song playbacks demonstrate slower evolution of song discrimination in birds from Amazonia than from temperate North America. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000478. [PMID: 31639139 PMCID: PMC6804960 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic data indicate differences in speciation rate across latitudes, but underlying causes have been difficult to assess because a critical phase of the speciation process is initiated in allopatry, in which, by definition, individuals from different taxa do not interact. We conducted song playback experiments between 109 related pairs of mostly allopatric bird species or subspecies in Amazonia and North America to compare the rate of evolution of male discrimination of songs. Relative to local controls, the number of flyovers and approach to the speaker were higher in Amazonia. We estimate that responses to songs of relatives are being lost about 6 times more slowly in Amazonia than in North America. The slow loss of response holds even after accounting for differences in song frequency and song length. Amazonian species with year-round territories are losing aggressive responses especially slowly. We suggest the presence of many species and extensive interspecific territoriality favors recognition of songs sung by sympatric heterospecifics, which results in a broader window of recognition and hence an ongoing response to novel similar songs. These aggressive responses should slow the establishment of sympatry between recently diverged forms. If male responses to novel allopatric taxa reflect female responses, then premating reproductive isolation is also evolving more slowly in Amazonia. The findings are consistent with previously demonstrated slower recent rates of expansion of sister taxa into sympatry, slower rates of evolution of traits important for premating isolation, and slower rates of speciation in general in Amazonia than in temperate North America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason T. Weir
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Natural History, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Trevor D. Price
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
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18
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Tanner JC, Justison J, Bee MA. SynSing: open-source MATLAB code for generating synthetic signals in studies of animal acoustic communication. BIOACOUSTICS 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/09524622.2019.1674694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessie C. Tanner
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA
| | - Joshua Justison
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA
| | - Mark A. Bee
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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19
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Wolfenden AD, Slabbekoorn H, Kluk K, Kort SR. Aircraft sound exposure leads to song frequency decline and elevated aggression in wild chiffchaffs. J Anim Ecol 2019; 88:1720-1731. [PMID: 31435938 PMCID: PMC8647924 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The ubiquitous anthropogenic low‐frequency noise impedes communication by masking animal signals. To overcome this communication barrier, animals may increase the frequency, amplitude and delivery rate of their acoustic signals, making them more easily heard. However, a direct impact of intermittent, high‐level aircraft noise on birds’ behaviour living close to a runway has not been studied in detail. We recorded common chiffchaffs Phylloscopus collybita songs near two airports and nearby control areas, and we measured sound levels in their territories at Manchester Airport. The song recordings were made in between aircraft movements, when ambient sound levels were similar between airport and control populations. We also conducted playback experiments at the airport and a control population to test the salience of airport, and control population specific songs. In contrast to the general pattern of increased song frequency in noisy areas, we show that common chiffchaffs at airports show a negative relationship between noise exposure level and song frequency. Experimental data show that chiffchaffs living near airports also respond more aggressively to song playback. Since the decrease in song frequency results in increased overlap with aircraft noise, these findings cannot be explained as an adaptation to improve communication. The increased levels of aggression suggest that chiffchaffs, like humans, might be affected behaviourally by extreme noise pollution. These findings should influence environmental impact assessments for airport expansions globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D. Wolfenden
- Ecology and Environment Research Centre, Department of Natural Sciences Manchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
- School of Life Science University of Nottingham Nottingham UK
| | - Hans Slabbekoorn
- Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL) Leiden University Leiden the Netherlands
| | - Karolina Kluk
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness (ManCAD) Manchester University Manchester UK
| | - Selvino R. Kort
- Ecology and Environment Research Centre, Department of Natural Sciences Manchester Metropolitan University Manchester UK
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20
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Bermúdez-Cuamatzin E, López-Hernández M, Campbell J, Zuria I, Slabbekoorn H. The role of singing style in song adjustments to fluctuating sound conditions: A comparative study on Mexican birds. Behav Processes 2018; 157:645-655. [PMID: 29656093 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2018.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Many bird species adjust their songs to noisy urban conditions by which they reduce masking and counteract the detrimental impact on signal efficiency. Different species vary in their response to level fluctuations of ambient noise, but it remains unclear why they vary. Here, we investigated whether noise-dependent flexibility may relate to singing style and signal function of the flexible acoustic trait. Species with highly variable songs may generally be more flexible and strongly repetitive singers may be more limited to stray from their stringent patterns. We exposed males of four passerine species with contrasting singing styles (repertoire size, immediate or eventual variety singing and syllable diversity) to three experimental sound conditions: 1) continuous urban noise; 2) intermittent white noise and 3) conspecific song playback. We found no spectral or temporal changes in response to experimental noise exposure in any of the four species, but significant temporal adjustment to conspecific playback in one of them. We argue that the consistency in song frequency and timing may have signal value, independent of singing style, and therefore be an explanation for the general lack of noise-dependent flexibility in the four species of the current study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eira Bermúdez-Cuamatzin
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Área Académica de Biología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Km. 4.5 carretera Pachuca-Tulancingo s/n, Col. Carboneras, Mineral de la Reforma, Hidalgo, C.P. 42184, Mexico; Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Maricela López-Hernández
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, A.P. 70-275, C.P. 04510, México City, México
| | - James Campbell
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Iriana Zuria
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Área Académica de Biología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Km. 4.5 carretera Pachuca-Tulancingo s/n, Col. Carboneras, Mineral de la Reforma, Hidalgo, C.P. 42184, Mexico
| | - Hans Slabbekoorn
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands
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21
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HILL SD, ARYAL A, PAWLEY MDM, JI W. So much for the city: Urban-rural song variation in a widespread Asiatic songbird. Integr Zool 2018; 13:194-205. [DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel D. HILL
- Human-Wildlife Interactions Research Group, Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences; Massey University; Auckland New Zealand
| | - Achyut ARYAL
- Human-Wildlife Interactions Research Group, Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences; Massey University; Auckland New Zealand
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science; University of Sydney; Sydney Australia
- Department of Forestry and Resource Management; Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology; Rotorua New Zealand
| | - Matthew D. M. PAWLEY
- Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences; Massey University; Auckland New Zealand
| | - Weihong JI
- Human-Wildlife Interactions Research Group, Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences; Massey University; Auckland New Zealand
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22
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Grunst ML, Grunst AS, Formica VA, Gonser RA, Tuttle EM. Multiple signaling functions of song in a polymorphic species with alternative reproductive strategies. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:1369-1383. [PMID: 29375804 PMCID: PMC5773301 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Revised: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Vocal traits can be sexually selected to reflect male quality, but may also evolve to serve additional signaling functions. We used a long-term dataset to examine the signaling potential of song in dimorphic white-throated sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis). We investigated whether song conveys multifaceted information about the vocalizing individual, including fitness, species identity, individual identity, and morph. We also evaluated whether song traits correlate differently with fitness in the two morphs, as the more promiscuous strategy of white, relative to tan, morph males might impose stronger sexual selection. Males with high song rates achieved higher lifetime reproductive success, and this pattern was driven by white morph males. In addition, males that sang songs with many notes survived longer, but this pattern was less robust. Thus, song traits reflect differences in fitness and may more strongly affect fitness in the white morph. Song frequency was unrelated to fitness, body size, or morph, but was individual specific and could signal individual identity. Songs of the two morphs displayed similar frequency ratios and bandwidths. However, tan morph males sang songs with longer first notes, fewer notes, and higher variability. Thus, song could be used in morph discrimination. Variation in frequency ratios between notes was low and could function in conspecific recognition, but pitch change dynamics did differ between four different song types observed. Our results support a multiple messages model for white-throated sparrow song, in which different song traits communicate discrete information about the vocalizing individual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa L Grunst
- Department of Biology Indiana State University Terre Haute IN USA
| | - Andrea S Grunst
- Department of Biology Indiana State University Terre Haute IN USA
| | | | - Rusty A Gonser
- Department of Biology Indiana State University Terre Haute IN USA
| | - Elaina M Tuttle
- Department of Biology Indiana State University Terre Haute IN USA
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23
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Sierro J, Schloesing E, Pavón I, Gil D. European Blackbirds Exposed to Aircraft Noise Advance Their Chorus, Modify Their Song and Spend More Time Singing. Front Ecol Evol 2017. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2017.00068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Zhao L, Zhu B, Wang J, Brauth SE, Tang Y, Cui J. Sometimes noise is beneficial: stream noise informs vocal communication in the little torrent frog Amolops torrentis. J ETHOL 2017; 35:259-267. [PMID: 29225405 PMCID: PMC5711985 DOI: 10.1007/s10164-017-0515-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Many kinds of environmental noise can interfere with acoustic communication and efficient decision making in terrestrial species. Here we identified an exception to this generalization in a streamside species, the little torrent frog (Amolops torrentis) which communicates in a stream noise environment. To determine whether stream noise can act as a cue regarding the microhabitat characteristics of senders, we performed phonotaxis experiments using stimulus pairs constructed with synthetic male calls (high or low dominant frequency) and stream noise with varied signal-to-noise ratios. We found that females prefer calls with high amplitude stream noise added compared to those with low amplitude stream noise added for both high and low dominant frequency stimulus pairs; however, stream noise itself was not attractive in the absence of calls. These results show that stream noise can function as a cue that may be used by females for enhancing the attractiveness of calls. Stream noise associates closely with rocks, topographies and vegetation and may thus provide useful microhabitat information for signal receivers, thereby acting on sexual selection. These data therefore contribute to our understanding of how the perception of mate attractiveness in heterogeneous ecological environments can evolve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longhui Zhao
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Bicheng Zhu
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Jichao Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Tropical Plant and Animal Ecology, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158 Hainan China
| | - Steven E Brauth
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 USA
| | - Yezhong Tang
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China
| | - Jianguo Cui
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China
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25
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Moser-Purdy C, Mennill DJ. Large vocal repertoires do not constrain the dear enemy effect: a playback experiment and comparative study of songbirds. Anim Behav 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2016.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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26
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Harris AJ, Wilson DR, Graham BA, Mennill DJ. Estimating repertoire size in a songbird: a comparison of three techniques. BIOACOUSTICS 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/09524622.2016.1138416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - David R. Wilson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, Windsor, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Canada
| | - Brendan A. Graham
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, Windsor, Canada
| | - Daniel J. Mennill
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, Windsor, Canada
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27
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Ptacek L, Machlica L, Linhart P, Jaska P, Muller L. Automatic recognition of bird individuals on an open set using as-is recordings. BIOACOUSTICS 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/09524622.2015.1089524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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28
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Linhart P, Fuchs R. Song pitch indicates body size and correlates with males' response to playback in a songbird. Anim Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2015.01.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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29
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Kipper S, Kiefer S, Bartsch C, Weiss M. Female calling? Song responses to conspecific call playbacks in nightingales, Luscinia megarhynchos. Anim Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2014.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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30
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Tietze DT, Martens J, Fischer BS, Sun YH, Klussmann-Kolb A, Päckert M. Evolution of leaf warbler songs (Aves: Phylloscopidae). Ecol Evol 2015; 5:781-98. [PMID: 25691998 PMCID: PMC4328779 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Revised: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Songs in passerine birds are important for territory defense and mating. Speciation rates in oscine passerines are so high, due to cultural evolution, that this bird lineage makes up half of the extant bird species. Leaf warblers are a speciose Old-World passerine family of limited morphological differentiation, so that songs are even more important for species delimitation. We took 16 sonographic traits from song recordings of 80 leaf warbler taxa and correlated them with 15 potentially explanatory variables, pairwise, and in linear models. Based on a well-resolved molecular phylogeny of the same taxa, all pairwise correlations were corrected for relatedness with phylogenetically independent contrasts and phylogenetic generalized linear models were used. We found a phylogenetic signal for most song traits, but a strong one only for the duration of the longest and of the shortest element, which are presumably inherited instead of learned. Body size of a leaf warbler species is a constraint on song frequencies independent of phylogeny. At least in this study, habitat density had only marginal impact on song features, which even disappeared through phylogenetic correction. Maybe most leaf warblers avoid the deterioration through sound propagation in dense vegetation by singing from exposed perches. Latitudinal (and longitudinal) extension of the breeding ranges was correlated with most song features, especially verse duration (longer polewards and westwards) and complexity (lower polewards). Climate niche or expansion history might explain these correlations. The number of different element types per verse decreases with elevation, possibly due to fewer resources and congeneric species at higher elevations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Thomas Tietze
- Institute of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, 60439, Frankfurt am Main, Germany ; Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jochen Martens
- Institute of Zoology, Johannes Gutenberg University 55099, Mainz, Germany
| | - Balduin S Fischer
- Institute of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, 60439, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Yue-Hua Sun
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Annette Klussmann-Kolb
- Institute of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, 60439, Frankfurt am Main, Germany ; Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig Adenauerallee 160, 53113, Bonn, Germany
| | - Martin Päckert
- Senckenberg Natural History Collections, Museum of Zoology Königsbrücker Landstraße 159, 01109, Dresden, Germany
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31
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Burbidge T, Parson T, Caycedo-Rosales P, Cadena C, Slabbekoorn H. Playbacks revisited: asymmetry in behavioural response across an acoustic boundary between two parapatric bird species. BEHAVIOUR 2015. [DOI: 10.1163/1568539x-00003309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Behavioural barriers to gene flow can play a key role in speciation and hybridisation. Birdsong is well-known for its potential contribution to such behavioural barriers as it may affect gene flow through an effect on territorial and mating success across population boundaries. Conspecific recognition and heterospecific discrimination of acoustic variation can prevent or limit hybridization in areas where closely related species meet. Here we tested the impact of song differences on territorial response levels between two adjacent Henicorhina wood-wren species along an elevational gradient in Colombia. In an earlier study, playback results had revealed an asymmetric response pattern, with low-elevation H. leucophrys bangsi responding strongly to any conspecific or heterospecific song variant, whereas high-elevation H. anachoreta birds discriminated, responding more strongly to their own songs than to those of bangsi. However, in that study we could not exclude a role for relative familiarity to the song stimuli. In the current study we confirm the asymmetric response pattern with song stimuli recorded close to and on both sides of the distinct acoustic boundary. Furthermore, we also show a previously unnoticed divergence in singing style between these two wood-wren species, which may contribute to an acoustically guided barrier to hybridization in this secondary contact zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamsin Burbidge
- Behavioural Biology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Thari Parson
- Behavioural Biology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Carlos Daniel Cadena
- Laboratorio de Biología Evolutiva de Vertebrados, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Los Andes, Apartado 4976, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Hans Slabbekoorn
- Behavioural Biology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
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32
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Stowell D, Plumbley MD. Large-scale analysis of frequency modulation in birdsong data bases. Methods Ecol Evol 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.12223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Stowell
- Centre for Digital Music; Queen Mary University of London; Mile End Road London E1 4NS UK
| | - Mark D. Plumbley
- Centre for Digital Music; Queen Mary University of London; Mile End Road London E1 4NS UK
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34
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Linhart P, Jaška P, Petrusková T, Petrusek A, Fuchs R. Being angry, singing fast? Signalling of aggressive motivation by syllable rate in a songbird with slow song. Behav Processes 2013; 100:139-45. [PMID: 24050853 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2013.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Accepted: 06/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Syllable rate has been shown to play a role in male-male aggressive interactions and has been proposed to serve as a male quality indicator in several bird species. In those with fast syllable rates, males often increase rates when singing in aggressive context, and respond differently to test stimuli of varying rates. We asked whether the syllable rate fulfils a similar signalling function in the chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita), a songbird species with a slow syllable rate. We confronted 36 chiffchaff males with one of three playback types differing in syllable rate: control (non-manipulated rate), fast, or slow (artificially increased and decreased syllable rate, respectively). We recorded tested males' songs and behaviour before and during the experiment. Our results indicate that syllable rate might be an aggressive signal in chiffchaff. Males that physically attacked the loudspeaker during experiments sang faster songs spontaneously, and those that continued singing during the playback responded to fast and non-manipulated stimuli with substantial increase of syllable rate. Indirect evidence further suggests that syllable rate in chiffchaff is unlikely constrained by respiratory demands; thus, we propose that syllable rate in this species functions as a conventional signal of male aggressiveness rather than an index of quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Linhart
- Ethology Department, Institute of Animal Science, Prague, Czech Republic; Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
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35
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Slabbekoorn H. Songs of the city: noise-dependent spectral plasticity in the acoustic phenotype of urban birds. Anim Behav 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2013.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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