Family Of Songbirds Research Articles

The effect of habitat and body size on the evolution of vocal displays in Thraupidae (tanagers), the largest family of songbirds

Animals rely on auditory cues to relay important information between individuals regarding territoriality, mating status, and individual condition. The efficacy of acoustic signals can depend on many factors, including the transmitter, the receiver, and the signalling environment. In the present study, we evaluate the effect of body size and habitat on the evolution of learned vocal displays across the tanagers (Aves: Thraupidae), a group that comprises nearly 10% of all songbird species. We find that body size affects tanager vocalizations, such that nine out of ten song characters and scores from two principal component axes were correlated with mass. More specifically, larger tanagers tended to produce slower-paced, lower-pitched vocal displays within narrower bandwidths. In contrast, habitat was correlated with only three out of ten song characters, and only one of these characters corroborated the directional predictions of the acoustic adaptation hypothesis. Thus, morphological characters, such as body mass, may play a more important role than variation among signalling environments in the evolution of avian vocal displays. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2015, 114, 538–551.

Elaborate visual and acoustic signals evolve independently in a large, phenotypically diverse radiation of songbirds.

The concept of a macroevolutionary trade-off among sexual signals has a storied history in evolutionary biology. Theory predicts that if multiple sexual signals are costly for males to produce or maintain and females prefer a single, sexually selected trait, then an inverse correlation between sexual signal elaborations is expected among species. However, empirical evidence for what has been termed the 'transfer hypothesis' is mixed, which may reflect different selective pressures among lineages, evolutionary covariates or methodological differences among studies. Here, we examine interspecific correlations between song and plumage elaboration in a phenotypically diverse, widespread radiation of songbirds, the tanagers. The tanagers (Thraupidae) are the largest family of songbirds, representing nearly 10% of all songbirds. We assess variation in song and plumage elaboration across 301 species, representing the largest scale comparative study of multimodal sexual signalling to date. We consider whether evolutionary covariates, including habitat, structural and carotenoid-based coloration, and subfamily groupings influence the relationship between song and plumage elaboration. We find that song and plumage elaboration are uncorrelated when considering all tanagers, although the relationship between song and plumage complexity varies among subfamilies. Taken together, we find that elaborate visual and vocal sexual signals evolve independently among tanagers.

High throughput sequencing enables discovery of microsatellites from the puff-throated bulbul (Alophoixus pallidus) and assessment of genetic diversity in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand

Bulbuls (family Pycnonotidae) are a diverse family of songbirds that carry out a number of ecologically important functions associated with seed dispersal. Since, 2003, a puff-throated bulbul (Alophoixus pallidus) population in the Mo-Singto Long-term Biodiversity Research Plot in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand has served as a model system for examining how bulbul behavior, movement, and demographics affect Southeast Asian forests. In this study, we used 454 pyrosequencing to discover microsatellites from A. pallidus that will enable the long-term mark-recapture work conducted at Mo-Singto to be complemented by molecular ecology and population genetic studies. In addition, we conducted fragment analysis to examine the level of genetic diversity exhibited by the Mo-Singto population. In total, we identified 103 DNA fragments containing microsatellite repeats and 66 fragments with sufficient flanking sequences to allow for primer design. Upon screening 26 loci via PCR-based genotyping assays, we identified nine polymorphic loci and used eight of these to examine genetic diversity in the Mo-Singto population. The results of these analyses suggest that the Mo-Singto population is moderately diverse (mean number of effective alleles across eight loci = 3.36, standard deviation = 1.78), is more-or-less in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, and has not recently been subject to severe population reduction.

Abstract rule neurons in the endbrain support intelligent behaviour in corvid songbirds

Despite the lack of a layered neocortex and fundamental differences in endbrain organization in birds compared with mammals, intelligent species evolved from both vertebrate classes. Among birds, corvids show exceptional cognitive flexibility. Here we explore the neuronal foundation of corvid cognition by recording single-unit activity from an association area known as the nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL) while carrion crows make flexible rule-guided decisions, a hallmark of executive control functions. The most prevalent activity in NCL represents the behavioural rules, while abstracting over sample images and sensory modalities of the rule cues. Rule coding is weaker in error trials, thus predicting the crows' behavioural decisions. This suggests that the abstraction of general principles may be an important function of the NCL, mirroring the function of primate prefrontal cortex. These findings emphasize that intelligence in vertebrates does not necessarily rely on a neocortex but can be realized in endbrain circuitries that developed independently via convergent evolution.

Multilocus phylogeny of the avian family Alaudidae (larks) reveals complex morphological evolution, non-monophyletic genera and hidden species diversity

The Alaudidae (larks) is a large family of songbirds in the superfamily Sylvioidea. Larks are cosmopolitan, although species-level diversity is by far largest in Africa, followed by Eurasia, whereas Australasia and the New World have only one species each. The present study is the first comprehensive phylogeny of the Alaudidae. It includes 83.5% of all species and representatives from all recognised genera, and was based on two mitochondrial and three nuclear loci (in total 6.4kbp, although not all loci were available for all species). In addition, a larger sample, comprising several subspecies of some polytypic species was analysed for one of the mitochondrial loci. There was generally good agreement in trees inferred from different loci, although some strongly supported incongruences were noted. The tree based on the concatenated multilocus data was overall well resolved and well supported by the data. We stress the importance of performing single gene as well as combined data analyses, as the latter may obscure significant incongruence behind strong nodal support values. The multilocus tree revealed many unpredicted relationships, including some non-monophyletic genera (Calandrella, Mirafra, Melanocorypha, Spizocorys). The tree based on the extended mitochondrial data set revealed several unexpected deep divergences between taxa presently treated as conspecific (e.g. within Ammomanes cinctura, Ammomanes deserti, Calandrella brachydactyla, Eremophila alpestris), as well as some shallow splits between currently recognised species (e.g. Certhilauda brevirostris–C. semitorquata–C. curvirostris; Calendulauda barlowi–C. erythrochlamys; Mirafra cantillans–M. javanica). Based on our results, we propose a revised generic classification, and comment on some species limits. We also comment on the extraordinary morphological adaptability in larks, which has resulted in numerous examples of parallel evolution (e.g. in Melanocorypha mongolica and Alauda leucoptera [both usually placed in Melanocorypha]; Ammomanopsis grayi and Ammomanes cinctura/deserti [former traditionally placed in Ammomanes]; Chersophilus duponti and Certhilauda spp.; Eremopterix hova [usually placed in Mirafra] and several Mirafra spp.), as well as both highly conserved plumages (e.g. within Mirafra) and strongly divergent lineages (e.g. Eremopterix hova vs. other Eremopterix spp.; Calandrella cinerea complex vs. Eremophila spp.; Eremalauda dunni vs. Chersophilus duponti; Melanocorypha mongolica and male M. yeltoniensis vs. other Melanocorypha spp. and female M. yeltoniensis). Sexual plumage dimorphism has evolved multiple times. Few groups of birds show the same level of disagreement between taxonomy based on morphology and phylogenetic relationships as inferred from DNA sequences.

Empirical comparisons of pitch patterns in music, speech, and birdsong

In music, large intervals ("pitch skips") are often followed by reversals, and phrases often have an arch-like shape and final durational lengthening. These regularities could reflect motor constraints on pitch production or could reflect the melodic characteristics of speech. To distinguish between these possibilities we compared pitch patterns in instrumental musical themes, sentences, and birdsongs. Patterns due to production-related constraints should be common to all three domains, whereas patterns due to statistical learning from speech should be present in speech but not birdsong. Sequences were taken from English and French instrumental classical music, sentences from 4 languages, and songs of 56 songbird families. For sentences and birdsongs each syllable/note was assigned one pitch. For each sequence, we quantified patterns of post-skip reversals, the direction of the initial and final interval, the relative duration of the final syllable/note, and the pitch contour shape. Post-skip reversals predominated in all domains, likely reflecting a shared constraint: skips frequently take melodies toward the edges of the pitch range, forcing a subsequent reversal (as suggested by Von Hippel & Huron, 2000). Arch-like contours and final lengthening were found in music and speech but not birdsong, possibly reflecting an influence of speech patterns on musical structure.

Montezuma oropendolas modify a component of song constrained by body size during vocal contests

Physical constraints on animal signals can influence how challenging they are to produce, which in turn can provide potentially important cues about the condition or quality of a signaller. Some components of a signal are often more challenging to produce than others, however, and we expect animals to modify those elements that are especially costly so as to give high-intensity and demanding displays only when necessary. We found that Montezuma oropendolas, Psarocolius montezuma, modify a particular component of their songs during vocal contests, the lowest peak frequency (LPF). Songs that overlapped other males' songs during interactions at nesting colonies had slightly but significantly lower LPFs than did the same song types produced when singing alone. Other components of song, in contrast, did not change. We also provide evidence that the production of loud, low-frequency notes in this species is constrained by body size, based on a negative bounded relationship between mean measurements of LPF and tarsus length across 102 species and subspecies of New World blackbirds (Icteridae), the songbird family to which the Montezuma oropendola belongs. Measures of LPF in the songs of Montezuma oropendolas fall near the lower limit of what members of the family produce. Taken together, our results suggest that low-frequency notes in these birds might constitute an honest signal of competitive ability during male–male interactions.

Molecular phylogenetics of babblers (Timaliidae): revaluation of the generaYuhinaandStachyris

The babblers (Timaliidae) form a large songbird family, which achieves its highest diversity in South‐East Asia. As part of an ongoing phylogenetic investigation of this group, we focus here on the systematic position of two Asian genera,YuhinaandStachyris, using cytochromeb, 16S and 12S sequence data. The analysis suggests that the two genera, as defined by morphological characters, are not monophyletic. The white‐bellied yuhinaYuhina zantholeuca, which has been placed among the typical yuhinas by most authors, is not a babbler. The other yuhinas studied, six continental species and a species endemic to Taiwan, form a clade that includes also three species ofStachyrisendemic to the Philippines. The otherStachyrisare not related to this clade, and can be divided into two groups that correspond to morphological and geographical differences among the species.

Higher-Level Phylogeny of New World Vireos (Aves: Vireonidae) Based on Sequences of Multiple Mitochondrial DNA Genes

Interfamilial relationships of the New World songbird family Vireonidae are uncertain. Thus, we sequenced 3069 bp of four mitochondrial genes (cyt b, ND2, ND3, COI) from 19 taxa in five families and two outgroups, to examine higher-level alliances with proposed relatives. We also sequenced cyt b and ND2 from an additional five vireonids to examine intergeneric relationships within the Vireonidae and incorporated 14 sequences of cyt b from GenBank to test the effects of taxon sampling on gene tree resolution. Families appeared monophyletic in all analyses, and the affinity of vireonids to Old World corvoids was corroborated. However, relationships among the Vireonidae and other families were not resolved. Sequences of vireonids revealed high levels of divergence within and between genera, with either Cyclarhis or Vireolanius positioned basally, depending on the analysis. On the basis of mitochondrial DNA and biogeographic evidence, vireonids represent a deep lineage derived from an Old World ancestor that colonized the New World, most likely via Beringia, with subsequent radiation in the Middle American tropics. We hypothesize postcolonization dispersal of the ancestor into Middle America, followed by extinction of the ancestor in North America. This extinction event left the North Temperate Zone unoccupied by any vireonid until northward reinvasion by some species of Vireo. Although the closest living relative of vireonids remains unidentified, broad-scale sequencing of additional extant corvoids with multiple molecular markers should further elucidate Old World alliances.

Song development by grey catbirds

What are the relative roles of imitation, improvisation and invention in the development of large song repertoires in species of the songbird family Mimidae? This question was addressed in a laboratory study of the vocal development of young grey catbirds,Dumetella carolinensiscollected from western Massachusetts. Two groups heard a repeated 10-s, tape-tutored segment of catbird song, two other groups heard a repeated 16-min segment and a fifth group heard no tape-tutored songs. One male selected for study from each group developed a large repertoire of seemingly normal songs, and wild males responded strongly to songs of the male that had heard no tape-tutored song. Relying little on precise imitation and largely on improvising or inventing, each male developed a highly unique repertoire. A geographical survey of catbird song revealed little to no evidence of song sharing or microgeographical variation, which is consistent with the idea that imitation plays a relatively minor role in song development. Perhaps simultaneous selection for large repertoires and reduced geographical variation has led to such an emphasis on song individuality and non-imitative developmental processes.

A Performance Constraint on the Evolution of Trilled Vocalizations in a Songbird Family (Passeriformes: Emberizidae)

A Performance Constraint on the Evolution of Trilled Vocalizations in a Songbird Family (Passeriformes: Emberizidae)

Estrogen receptors in the avian brain: Survey reveals general distribution and forebrain areas unique to songbirds

Estrogens play an important role in the control and differentiation of species-typical behavior and in endocrine homeostasis of birds, but the distribution and evolution of cells that contain estrogen receptors in the avian brain are poorly understood. This study therefore surveys 26 species in the avian orders Anseriformes (1 species), Galliformes (2), Columbiformes (3), Psittaciformes (1), Apodiformes (2), and Passeriformes (3 suboscines, 14 oscines). Indirect immunocytochemistry with the estrogen receptor (ER) antibody H222Spy revealed a general pattern of ER-antibody-immunoreactive cells (ER-IRC) in all 26 species, with ER-IRC in consistent, well-defined locations in the limbic forebrain, the midbrain striatum, the hippocampus, the hindbrain, and especially in the preoptic area and the tuberal hypothalamus. For some species, the microdistribution of ER-IRC in some of these general areas differed, such as in the hippocampus and the anterior hypothalamus of suboscine species and in the preoptic area of the Japanese quail. Brains of oscine songbirds of both sexes, unlike brains of nonsongbirds, had ER-IRC in three specific structures of the nonlimbic forebrain: in the area surrounding the nucleus robustus archistriatalis; in the rostral forebrain; and, for all individuals, in the caudale neostriatum, including the nucleus hyperstriatalis ventrale, pars caudale (HVc). Among songbird families or subfamilies, adult males of the Estrildinae had much lower numbers of ER-IRC in HVc than did adult males of the Fringillidae, Paridae, Sturnidae, and Ploceinae. Differences occurred, too, among closely related species: the songbird canary (Serinus canaria) had an ER-IRC area in the rostral forebrain that was lacking in all other songbird species, including other cardueline finches. The cells with ER that are found only in the songbird forebrain but not in reptiles, nonpasserine birds, and nonoscine passerine birds very likely coevolved with steroid-dependent differentiation of vocal control areas. The songbird-specific expression of ER in the forebrain could be an example in which taxon-specific behavior is due to taxon specific neurochemical properties of the brain.

Specialisation in Extremely Unbalanced Food: Possibilities and Limits of Its Investigation Exclusively By Functional Morphology

Intensive comparative study on alimentary systems has shown that not all organ structures involved in digestion are equally suitable for functional-morphological analyses. This was especially apparent in our latest studies of food specialists e.g. several species of the songbird families, Estrildidae and Ploceidac which can exist exclusively on grass seeds with a starch content of approximately 90%. This is possible because these species have developed all structures involved in protein digestion to be able to utilise even the vestigial amounts of nitrogen compounds present. However, many more seeds must be consumed than are needed for energy metabolism. Consequently, a regulation mechanism has evolved which enables the excess carbohydrate to be eliminated. Study of this specialisation has clearly shown that functions which are associated with specific tissues can be successfully examined and compared using morphological criteria; e.g., secretion production or the absorption of nutritious molecules through epithelial cells. Both of these functions are directly dependent on the size of the epithelial surface which can be considerably increased by histoarchitectonic modification. In studying carbohydrate regulation, however, we had to rely exclusively on biochemical analysis of food and excreta. These analyses showed that Estrildidae and Ploccidae regulate the exact amount of monosaccharides for absorption exclusively by the amount of the provided enzymes. This is in contrast to some similarly investigated fruit-eating pigeons which achieve the fine adjustment by direct regulation of the transport mechanism through the membrane of the microvilli.

From Field and Study

The Arrangement of Songbird Families Get access Robert W. Storer Robert W. Storer Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar The Condor, Volume 61, Issue 2, 1 March 1959, Pages 152–153, https://doi.org/10.2307/1365216 Published: 01 March 1959