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Antiphonal four-part synchronized chorusing in a Neotropical wren

Authors :
Mann, Nigel I
Dingess, Kimberly A
Slater, P.J.B
Source :
Biology Letters; March 2006, Vol. 2 Issue: 1 p1-4, 4p
Publication Year :
2006

Abstract

Plain-tailed wrens (Thryothorus euophrys) live in groups that sing synchronized choruses, the contributions of females and males alternating with each other in cycles, within which each sex sings two of the four parts, the whole achieving near perfect synchrony. As each bird has a repertoire of ca20 phrases of each type, the synchrony also requires them to choose the same type at the same time as others of their sex. Songs can last up to 2min, during which individuals join in and drop out. This must be one of the most complex singing performances yet described in a non-human animal.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
17449561 and 1744957X
Volume :
2
Issue :
1
Database :
Supplemental Index
Journal :
Biology Letters
Publication Type :
Periodical
Accession number :
ejs50528391
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2005.0373