The song structure and repertoire size of Daurian Redstarts (Phoenicurusauroreus) in South Korea

Ju Hyun Lee,Ha Cheol Sung

doi:10.3906/zoo-1810-19

Abstract

The song repertoire across avian species varies considerably in size, and reliable measurement is important in defining its significance as a target in sexual selection. In this study, the song structure and song repertoire size of the Daurian Redstart (Phoenicurus auroreus) in South Korea were investigated. The songs had major syllable variation rather than song type variation. The average song repertoire size from 20 males was 39.9 ± 5.8 (range: 28-50), based on a syllable type that was appropriate for this species. The songs were structured with three distinguishable parts, where song syllables varied most in the syllable part, and new syllable additions were relatively limited in the whistle and subsyllable parts. Furthermore, new syllables were gradually reduced with an increasing number of males, potentially due to the existence of core syllables in the songs. Our results suggest an individual identity cue may exist in the syllable part of the song and that the less variable whistles within and between individuals may play a role in forming a local dialect. Thus, further research on syllable similarity is needed to find song variations among individuals over greater geographic distances.

Highlights

The song repertoire across avian species varies considerably in size, and reliable measurement is important in defining its significance as a target in sexual selection
The song is a primary target of sexual selection that appears as a form of vocal ornament for singing males (Catchpole et al, 1985; Searcy, 1996; Gil and Slater, 2000)
Decades of birdsong research have shown that a song or syllable type of increasing complexity is more efficient in attracting females and excluding intruders from territory (Searcy and Andersson, 1986; Catchpole and Slater, 1995)

Summary

Introduction

The song repertoire across avian species varies considerably in size, and reliable measurement is important in defining its significance as a target in sexual selection. The song structure and repertoire size of the Daurian Redstart in South Korea were estimated. The Daurian Redstart song was divided into three parts based on the song structure: a whistle, a subsyllable, and a syllable (Figure 2).

Results

Conclusion