Naturalistic countersinging and movement for the hermit thrush (Catharus guttatus)
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Date
2024-11
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University of New Brunswick
Abstract
The study of birdsong helps with conservation strategies, the neuroscience of vocal learning, and our understanding of communication. Many interactive singing behaviours have been demonstrated among songbird species. Evidence suggests that the dawn chorus is a time when communities of birds negotiate their social relationships, but the specific communication dynamics remain unclear. This study explored singing during the dawn chorus for the hermit thrush. Using microphone arrays, researchers were able to capture territorial singing and triangulate bird locations and movements. Neighbouring birds were found to be regularly interacting through song overlap, frequency match avoidance, conventional matching, and adjustments of song rate, song switch rate, and syntax consistency. Behaviours also varied with distance between birds, suggesting a complex singing and movement dynamic. This study contributes to our understanding of the hermit thrush, songbird communication, and territorial behaviour.