AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

DUETTING AND VOCAL RECOGNITION BY ALDABRA WHITE-THROATED RAILS DRYOLIMNAS CUVIERI ALDABRANUS

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1979
Authors:Huxley, CR, Wilkinson, R
Journal:Ibis
Volume:121
Issue:3
Date Published:1979
ISBN Number:1474-919X
Keywords:Canirallus, Canirallus cuvieri, Dryolimnas, Dryolimnas cuvieri, Lewinia, Lewinia cuvieri, Rallidae
Abstract:SUMMARY Sonagrams of duets and solo song of the Aldabra White-throated Rail are presented and their behavioural contexts and functions noted. Visual inspection of sonagrams suggests that the structure of elements of high intensity song is individually characteristic. Elements of low intensity song are characteristic for some but not all individuals. The elements of medium intensity song are the most variable within individuals, and it is least likely that these could permit individual recognition. However, it is noted that the temporal pattern of delivery of song elements may provide cues for vocal recognition. Both male and female Aldabra Rails respond to the playback of their mate's song by either approaching the sound source or vocalizing. A greater number of positive responses was given to playbacks of the mate's song than to playbacks of a song of a strange bird of the same sex as the mate. It is suggested that this difference in responsiveness may in part result from a more rapid habituation to unfamiliar song. The function of duetting in the Aldabra Rail and other tropical rails is discussed. It is considered that the major function of duetting in the Aldabra Rail may be co-operative territorial defence. The extent and precision of duetting in the Rallidae is considered. It is concluded that precise duetting has not yet been demonstrated in any rail species and that the rates of calling in duets may be internally derived.
URL:http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1474-919X.1979.tb06843.x
Short Title:Ibis
Taxonomic name: 
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith