FIRST RECORD OF VOCAL MIMICRY IN SCARLET-HEADED BLACKBIRD Amblyramphus holosericeus (AVES: PASSERIFORMES) IN THE SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL

Abstract

Vocal mimicry is the ability of some bird species to copy heterospecific vocalizations in order to establish deceptive or non-deceptive interactions between an emitter and a receiver. This kind of vocal behavior is well documented in several species of New World Blackbirds (Icteridae family), but not in Scarlet-headed Blackbird (Amblyramphus holosericeus). Here we report the first event of vocal mimicry of this species, where a single individual imitated the vocal signals of Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani; Cuculiformes, Cuculidae). We argue that such behavior could have a deceptive role, increasing the predation avoidance and foraging efficiency of A. holosericeus by luring heterospecific individuals to form a mixedflock.