Organization of Whistled Song Sequences in the European Starling

Abstract

The analysis of sequences of whistles in male Starlings showed a very clear organization. The same main characteristics were found among different birds. All birds tended to repeat a given whistle type several times before switching. The intervals between successive whistles were shorter if the transition was a normally preferred one (e.g. repetition). The different birds tended to begin and end their sequences in a similar way, using preferentially the simple theme to begin their sequence after, for example, arriving at the nest. This revealed a differential use of song types. They tended to finish their sequences with individual structures, while beginning with the species-specific themes. The results on the organization of these songs is discussed in relation to inter-individual interactions and the phenomenon of song matching.