Sexual and Individual Features in the Long-Range and Short-Range Calls of the White-Naped Crane

[摘要] Abstract. Sex-related and individually unique vocal features have been demonstrated for many avian and mammalian species. Vocal identity may depend on a call's function and vary within the repertoire of a single species. Vocal features of different call types are very rarely compared in one species. We studied the potential for vocal recognition of sex and individual identity in four types of calls of the White-naped Crane (Grus vipio). We analyzed growls and contact calls (short-range communication) and flight-intention and guard calls (long-range communication). Sexual features were strongly expressed in flight-intention and guard calls; furthermore, the guard call allows reliable sexing of a bird. The sexual distinctiveness of short-range calls was less pronounced. We failed to find significant individual features in any call type. The potential for determining sex from vocalizations may be useful for the monitoring of this endangered species.

[学科分类] 动物科学

[关键词] vocal signature;Grus vipio;call types;short- and long-range communication