Song Neighborhoods Research Articles

Local and range-wide distribution of song types suggest Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapilla) have song neighborhoods but not macro-dialects

The song systems of oscine passerines (songbirds) are complex and diverse. Because songs are used for both mate attraction and territory defense and are therefore important signals for survival and reproduction, comprehensive knowledge of within and among species song structure and distribution is informative for understanding the evolution of song repertoires and vocal behaviour. In this study, we explored variation in the song structure of the Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla), a widespread warbler (Family Parulidae) found in North American forests. We analyzed recordings from the 2021 breeding season to assess song type variation at a local (n ​= ​158 birds; Sault Ste. Marie, ON) and breeding range scale (n ​= ​512 birds; eBird). We characterized the local song types and tested whether Ovenbirds share song types with their neighbors more often than expected by chance. We then characterized song types of Ovenbirds across the breeding range to determine whether any geographic pattern of song clustering exists (i.e., macro-dialects). We found 10 distinct song types and some evidence for song type clustering at the local study site (i.e., song neighborhoods). We found 7 of those 10 song types throughout the breeding range and identified an additional 24 types that were not recorded in our local population. We found no evidence for song dialects across the Ovenbird breeding range. This study contributes to our understanding of Ovenbird song while simultaneously adding to our understanding of geographic structuring of warbler repertoires. Our work contributes to delineating a more comprehensive understanding of factors affecting dialect development for this diverse group of songbirds.

Male relatedness, lekking behavior patterns, and the potential for kin selection in a Neotropical hummingbird

AbstractSeveral models have been proposed to explain the evolution of leks, both in terms of direct or indirect fitness benefits, and in survival. According to kin selection theory, male skewed reproductive success leads unsuccessful males to join successful relatives to increase their inclusive fitness, because their genes would be transmitted indirectly to the next generation. Wedge-tailed Sabrewing (Campylopterus curvipennis) is a hummingbird species whose males congregate at leks, in which spatially clustered males sing a particular song with marked differences among neighboring males (song neighborhoods). The maintenance of song neighborhoods presumably depends on juvenile newcomers copying the song type of their neighbors when they establish within a lek, and their acceptance could be more likely if a relative has already settled down in a territory, which in turn could offer fitness benefits explained by kin selection theory. To investigate the potential for kin selection in this species, we genotyped 126 hummingbirds at 10 microsatellite loci and estimated pairwise relatedness among males at 6 leks and in 4 song neighborhoods within 1 focal lek. Within leks, most males were unrelated and only a few were relatives. Moreover, even though relatedness within leks was higher than between leks, it was not higher than 0, which is likely due to isolation by distance. Our results do not support the idea of kin selection as an important force acting on the formation of leks in this species. Additionally, we found no evidence for kin clustering within song neighborhoods, suggesting that juveniles attempting to settle in a lek have to learn the song of the neighborhood (regardless of their kinship) to gain access to territories.

Song structure and variability in the Black-headed Bunting (Emberiza melanocephala)

Fighting and flirting are the main evolutionary forces behind the development of bird song and both contribute to different song characteristics. By comparison of vocalisations throughout bird taxa, we can help to reconstruct the evolutionary history of the song. In this study, we provide the first detailed analysis of song structure and song type variability in the Black-headed Bunting (Emberiza melanocephala). We quantify the fine structural characteristics of the song and describe the song and syllable repertoire size. Further, we describe intraindividual song variability over time and interindividual song variability over space, and we explore whether this species uses syntactic rules to create songs. Our analyses reveal that the Black-headed Bunting has a short yet rather complex song and that the syllable pool is extensive. Its song is constructed of three parts that differ in both complexity and rhythm, suggesting the use of syntactic rules in constructing a song. The male song is typically built of 9–13 syllables, with 7–12 that are non-repetitive. Each male sings only one stereotyped song, which remains identical throughout the male’s lifespan, providing evidence for age-limited song learning. Songs are individually distinct, suggesting the importance of song in individual recognition of males. Two spatial levels of song variation in the Black-headed Bunting are shown. On a microgeographical level, relatively small song neighbourhoods are formed with a handful of birds singing the same song type. On a macrogeographical level, dialects can be distinguished by the end part of a song. The most striking feature of the male Black-headed Bunting song is the immense variability of song types. Typically, only a small number of males shared the same song type, and males with unique song types occurred frequently as well. The high song complexity and single-song repertoire found in the Black-headed Bunting could reflect a high level of polygyny and a low level of parental care, therefore pointing to strong intersexual selection on the male song.

Song sharing correlates with lifetime social pairing success but not territory tenure in the Puget Sound white-crowned sparrow

Imitative song learning in birds often results in the formation of vocal dialects or local song neighborhoods in which males in close proximity share very similar songs. If song sharing confers a selective advantage due to intra-sexual competition or inter-sexual mate choice, song sharing should enhance the singer’s territory tenure or lifetime pairing success. We tested this in a migratory population of the Puget Sound white-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys pugetensis, in which some territory neighbors share whole songs. Song sharing with territory neighbors in the first year on territory did not correlate with territory tenure but correlated positively with social pairing success throughout a male’s lifetime when length of territory tenure was controlled. Thus, song sharing in this migratory population does not appear to confer a benefit in male–male interactions, at least as measured by the length of territory tenure. However, males that share songs do benefit from higher lifetime pairing success. Combined with the data available for other species, it appears that intra- and inter-sexual selection may have stronger effects on song sharing in sedentary and migratory populations, respectively.

Factors affecting post-release dispersal, mortality, and territory settlement of endangered kokako translocated from two distinct song neighborhoods

Animal translocation success rate is generally low, with the causes of failure poorly understood without comprehensive and protracted monitoring. Here we examine the outcome of a translocation of endangered North Island kokako (Callaeas wilsoni) from two adjacent song neighborhoods in New Zealand, each with individual vocal traditions (c. 75% of phrases unshared) to a single release site. We conducted detailed radio-telemetry to monitor post-release dispersal over 50days during four serial releases of 20 birds while we broadcast neighborhood-specific song around the release site. The birds moved substantial distances after release, however overall short-term release site dispersal was not as great as predicted by a random walk model, suggesting an attraction to playback and/or a reluctance to explore areas away from the release site. This apparent attraction was not specific to a given song neighborhood, however. Although the post-release mortality rate (22% over 31days) was relatively high in this translocation, we did not detect an effect of sex, age, source origin, or duration of captivity on mortality. We show that habitat use during this acclimation period was disproportionate to availability – the birds’ preferred habitat was similar to that at the capture site. At least four pairs formed, with two and three confirmed breeding in the first and second seasons post-release respectively. Mate choice was non-assortative with respect to song neighborhood, revealing that reduced phrase sharing rates found in adjoining neighborhoods are not a barrier to pair formation. We compare this example with other kokako translocations and make recommendations for future translocations.

Song Variation and Persistence of Song Neighborhoods in a Lekking Hummingbird

Abstract. Recent studies reveal that hummingbirds' songs are more variable and complex than previously realized. The Wedge-tailed Sabrewing (Campylopterus curvipennis) forms leks composed of small adjacent territories defended individually from intruders. When females visit these territories, males emit long songs composed of structurally complex syllables. Their elaborate acoustic signals are intriguing because most species of lekking hummingbirds studied in detail have relatively simple and stereotyped songs. Here we report song variation among territorial males at one lek over 4 years. Despite variation in syllable composition, cluster analyses classified songs of territorial males into three groups (“song neighborhoods”), and the pattern of clustering was consistent over time. Song neighborhoods were also clustered spatially. The syllabic composition of songs from members of a given neighborhood was relatively constant from year to year, suggesting site and territory fidelity, and introductory syllabl...

Spatial pattern of song element sharing and its implications for song learning in the chowchilla, Orthonyx spaldingii

The extent and spatial pattern of song similarity in the chowchilla were examined to determine at what scale song similarity changes, and whether this pattern is indicative of the timing of learning and dispersal strategy of this rainforest passerine. We recorded songs from across the species' entire range in the Wet Tropics of Australia. Songs were divided into their syllables, and a syllable catalogue was created for the whole population. Pairwise comparisons of syllable sharing were used to calculate a similarity index for each recorded group as well as for neighbours and non-neighbours. Chowchillas have a single-song repertoire, which is primarily used in territorial defence. Chowchillas show exceptional spatial variation in their song, and song similarity was significantly correlated with distance. Song similarity decreased sharply at 1 km, confirming the existence of song neighbourhoods that share near identical songs. Neighbours shared significantly more syllables than non-neighbours. Our results are consistent with the idea that chowchillas learn their songs after dispersal when settling into a new group.

Territorial song and song neighbourhoods in the Scarlet Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus

Throughout the range of the Scarlet Rosefinch, its territorial song consists of 3–9 (usually 4–5) elements, of which there are 5 different types. The differences lie in the way the pitch of the element changes in time (frequency “slope”) and the width of the frequency band. Within a given type of song, the various elements can be present in almost any combination. Therefore, so many song types can be formed that the songs in even small parts of the species’ area are clearly distinct from one another. Despite this capacity for variation, however, by chance identical songs may be sung in widely separated parts of the area, in some cases by different subspecies. The species has not developed large-scale dialects or regiolects based on a song tradition acquired during an early imprinting phase. Scarlet Rosefinches tend to breed in small colonies, groups of up to about 15 pairs characterized by the same type of song (song neighbourhoods, formed by the development of a microlect). Microlects develop by a founder effect. When males, near one-year old or older, join one another to form isolated colonies after arrival in the breeding region, they adopt (“learn”) the song type that will eventually characterize the colony from the first male to arrive at the site. After the colony has been founded, in most cases each male uses only one type of song during a breeding season, with practically no variation of the temporal and frequency parameters. Singing the same type of song, the members of a colony accept one another sufficiently to allow the breeding territories to be closely packed. It appears that a long-lasting capacity for acoustic learning, in combination with colony-like breeding and great ecological flexibility, has allowed the Scarlet Rosefinch to become the most successful species of the genus Carpodacus.

Dual strategies of song development in American redstarts, Setophaga ruticilla

Abstract. Like certain other paruline warblers, American redstarts, Setophaga ruticilla , divide their total repertoire of territorial songs into functional subsets. The repertoire consists of a single 'repeat' song and a 'serial' set comprising the remaining songs. To determine whether their repertoires changed with age, individuals were recorded in successive years on their breeding grounds in New Brunswick, Canada. Only three (5%) of 64 males changed their repeat songs from one year to the next ( N = 88 annual returns), apparently modelling the new songs after those of neighbours. In contrast, redstarts frequently changed serial songs from year to year, based on results from 43 birds in 59 annual returns. All males that returned as 2-year-old adults either added or deleted serial songs, or did both. Also, over 40% of adults returning as 3- or 4-year-olds added new serial songs and/or deleted songs used in a previous breeding season. Evidence indicated that new songs were copied from neighbours. Retention or deletion of a serial song between the subadult and first adult year could be predicted on the basis of whether it was shared with a neighbour in either of the 2 years. Repertoire sizes remained essentially constant across ages. Differences in the developmental strategies of the two song modes and their functions were related to the expression of song neighbourhoods.

A Genetic and Behavioral Analysis of Mate Choice and Song Neighborhoods in Indigo Buntings

A Genetic and Behavioral Analysis of Mate Choice and Song Neighborhoods in Indigo Buntings

A GENETIC AND BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS OF MATE CHOICE AND SONG NEIGHBORHOODS IN INDIGO BUNTINGS.

Neighboring males of indigo buntings (Passerina cyanea) share songs in southern Michigan. We sampled polymorphic enzymes to compare the genetic variation between mates and the variation among contiguous song neighborhoods. Mate choice was independent of the genetic and morphometric similarity of female and male, and these measures were independent of each other. The incidence of extrapair copulations and fertilizations was independent of the song of cuckolding males. Breeding success of the mated pairs was independent of their genetic or morphological similarity. Males characterized by different song dialects did not differ in mean lifetime reproductive success. We found no significant genetic differences among the neighborhoods. Most birds that bred in one song neighborhood were born in another, and neighborhoods were not isolated demes. Bunting songs may provide no information to a female about genetic quality of males. The results are consistent with a neutral model of no mate choice for genes.

Song, mate choice and the question of kin recognition in a migratory songbird

Songs of migratory indigo buntings, Passerina cyanea, were compared among kin for birds of known family history. In one population 9·7% of the banded nestlings were seen in a later year within 2 km of their birth site. Nearly all of the males that returned to their natal area had a song unlike their father's song. Four females mated with a male whose song was like their father's (two of the four mated with their father). The proportion of birds whose song was like their father's (or, for females, mated with a male with a song like their father's) was close to that expected by chance, based on the number of males with their father's song in the study area. Brothers, sisters, half-siblings and three-generation kin (maternal and paternal grandfathers compared with their grandsons and with their granddaughters' mates) had different songs. Birds within a song neighbourhood came from different natal song neighbourhoods and were not close relatives. The dispersal that accompanies long-distance seasonal migration and the disruption of family social bonds has the effect of dispersing relatives. Buntings do not appear to use songs to recognize kin in mate choice; songs are therefore not kinship markers in this species.

The social context of song mimicry: Song-matching dialects in indigo buntings ( Passerina cyanea)

First-year male indigo buntings ( Passerina cyanea) that match the song of an adult neighbour gain an advantage in acquiring a female, in nesting and in fledging young, when compared with first-year males that do not match a neighbour's song (Payne 1982). Four hypotheses of the mechanisms responsible for the mimics' success were tested in the field. Song matching among neighbours was not involved with recognition of local demes or with assortative mating; the population structure of song neighbourhoods is open and songs are not signals of kinship or community. Song matching was not directed towards females in sexual mimicry, and females rarely switched from an old mate to a younger one with the same song. Song mimicry was not directed towards the neighbouring male whose song was copied, as he was no less aggressive towards a song mimic than towards non-mimics. Song mimicry was associated with the timing of territorial establishment and of associated dispersal and residence in the first-year males. Four out of six predictions of a hypothesis of intraspecific competitive mimicry among male buntings were realized. The results best fit the hypothesis that a male that mimics the song of an older neighbour may deceive his territorial competitors, the other first-year males, in mistaken individual recognition.