Structure and function of the vocal repertoire of the Rifleman ( Acanthisitta chloris ), a member of the earliest diverging passerine suborder, Acanthisitti

Abstract

Structure and function of the vocal repertoire of the Rifleman (Acanthisitta chloris), a member of the earliest diverging passerine suborder, Acanthisitti Estructura y función del repertorio vocal del Acantisita Verdoso (Acanthisitta chloris), un miembro del suborden de paseriformes de divergencia temprana, Acanthisitti

Vocal convergence and social proximity shape the calls of the most basal Passeriformes, New Zealand Wrens

“…These feeding calls are distinguishable from other call types due to their “S” shape and higher frequency ( ~ 6–14 kHz; Fig. 2A ) 48 . Rifleman feeding calls are a good candidate to test the presence of vocal learning abilities because they are used in social contexts (between parents, helpers and nestlings, and between partners) in which vocal learning is most likely to have evolved and be detected if present.…”

“…The rifleman does not produce vocalizations that classify as songs in the traditional sense; indeed, it is a non-territorial species and rifleman pairs do not seem to produce courtship songs to attract mates. Instead, the rifleman has a large repertoire of calls 48 , which has been assumed to be innate based on its simple vocal features, nonterritorial or non-courtship vocalizations, and a syrinx that lacks complex intrinsic muscles found in bird vocal learners 21 , 22 , 24 , 25 .…”

“…By using alternative and integrative approaches, we aim to determine whether the rifleman (titipounamu, Acanthisitta chloris ), one of the only two extant species of New Zealand Wrens, has predispositions for vocal production learning (e.g., rudimentary vocal learning abilities). Among riflemen’s large call repertoire 48 , feeding calls are a good candidate for this investigation. They are produced in a cooperative breeding social context by both parents, kin and unrelated helpers at nests 49 , 50 .…”