EEB386H1 Lecture 7: Lecture 7.pdf
Document Summary
How birds communicate with sounds. European starling - song consists of a complex mix of rattles, gurgles, whistles and buzzess. Another well- known example of mimicry does not involve song some parrots can imitate human speech very well. Birds make a variety of sounds for communication. Male sage grouse produce popping sounds when they expel air from oesophageal air sacs in their elaborate courtship. Storks, which do not make vocalizations, clatter their bill together instead. Pigeons will clap their wings together in flight. Skilled bird watchers can distinguish the drumming sounds of downy and hairy woodpeckers. Both songs and calls function in communication, but they differ in a number of ways. Songs are learned, calls are innate. Songs are usually produced by males in the breeding season and are functionally related to courtship. Singing usually has a diurnal rhythm, occurring primarily in the early morning (dawn chorus) and at dusk.