A predator-elicited vocalisation in the Variegated Fairy-wren (Malurus lamberti)

Abstract

We document a previously undescribed vocalisation in the Variegated Fairy-wren (Malurus lamberti), the Type II song, which is given in response to the calls of a specific avian predator. We used playbacks of five species of both predators and non-predators to determine which species most commonly elicit Type II songs. Calls of Grey Butcherbirds (Cracticus torquatus) were the only stimuli to elicit Type II songs. Two other species in the genus Malurus, the Splendid Fairy-wren (M. splendens) and the Superb Fairy-wren (M. cyaneus), are also known to sing Type II songs in response to the calls of specific avian predators. In all these species, Type II songs may function as displays to conspecifics. This study highlights the possibility that predator-elicited display behaviour may be more widespread in the genus Malurus than was previously recognised.