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Use and characteristics of two singing modes in Pine Warblers
Title | Use and characteristics of two singing modes in Pine Warblers |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2013 |
Authors | Price JJ, Crawford CL |
Journal | The Wilson Journal of Ornithology |
Volume | 125 |
Pagination | 552 - 561 |
Date Published | 09/2013 |
Type of Article | REU |
Keywords | WOOD-WARBLER |
Abstract | North American wood-warblers (Parulidae) are well known for exhibiting two distinct singing modes: first category song, in which a single song type is sung repeatedly, usually before dawn, and second category song, in which several song types are sung in irregular sequence. Studies suggest that first category song types have higher performance characteristics and that second category song types are shared preferentially among territorial neighbors. Here we present the first formal description of two-category singing in the Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus). Similar to other species in the genus Setophaga, Pine Warblers produce second category song before dawn and first category song primarily during daylight hours. First category songs also had significantly higher trill rates, suggesting that they are more challenging to perform. Unlike many congeners, however, Pine Warblers regularly alternate between first and second category singing throughout the day, and first category song types often appear intermixed in second category singing, including singing before dawn. Furthermore, comparisons among territorial males showed that individuals do not share song types more with neighbors than with non-neighbors. Our results suggest that Pine Warblers have two song categories similar to other Setophaga warblers, but singing patterns in this species differ from congeners in interesting ways that warrant further investigation. |
DOI | 10.1676/13-006.1 |