La Tour du Valat

Institut de recherche pour la conservation des zones humides méditerranéennes

Titre :	A study of Choughs' vocal repertoire: variability related to individuals, sexes and ages
Auteurs :	P. Laiolo, Auteur ; C. Palestrini, Auteur ; A. Rolando, Auteur
Type de document :	Article
Dans :	Journal of Ornithology (141(2) APR 2000)
Article en page(s) :	168-179
Langues:	Anglais
Résumé :	The calls uttered by Choughs (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) on Islay (S-W Scotland) were recorded during the breeding season. We analysed the vocal repertoire and the degree of call variation, among and within individuals. Eight structurally different calls were identified in Choughs' vocal repertoire. Significant differences in temporal and frequency variables of calls were found between fledglings and adults, whereas females' and males' calls turned out to differ only in two parameters of the commonest call type ('chwee-ow'). Despite sex-related differences in this call, partners appeared to utter similar versions of it, which suggests that male vocal mimicry might occur. A certain degree of individuality, i.e. a greater among than within individuals variability, was found in three call types, but the reverse was found in the commonest call of the species. Accordingly, we hypothesise that this call might promote effective species recognition, whereas the other call types would be involved in individual recognition.

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