Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Individually distinctive vocalization in Common Cuckoos (Cuculus canorus)

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Journal of Ornithology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Distinctive individual vocalizations are advantageous in several social contexts. Both genetic and environmental effects are responsible for this phenomenon resulting in different frequencies and time domains of sounds in birds. This individuality can be utilized in breeding bird censuses and abundance estimates. In this study we explored the individuality of the advertisement calls of male Common Cuckoos (Cuculus canorus) with the aims of describing the ways in which individuals differ from each other acoustically, and characterizing the practical requirements for using statistical learning methods for individual recognition. We collected calls from a Hungarian Cuckoo population and conducted discriminant function analysis on acoustic parameters to distinguish individuals. We show that individuals differ in both the frequency and time of their calls, most importantly in maximum frequency of the first syllable. Our discrimination of the calls of 26 male individuals was almost 100 % accurate, and even when the number of samples was reduced to five calls per individual, and the number of acoustic parameters was decreased to five variables, accuracy still exceeded 90 %. Our acoustic individual discrimination technique is applicable to a wide range of ecological and behavioural studies because it is easy to perform and can be readily automated.

Zusammenfassung

Individuell unterscheidbare Lautäußerungen beim Kuckuck (Cuculus canorus)

Individuell unterscheidbare Lautäußerungen sind in verschiedenen sozialen Situationen von Vorteil. Sowohl genetische Effekte als auch Umwelteinflüsse sind für dieses Phänomen verantwortlich, was zu verschiedenen Frequenz- und Zeitmustern von Stimmaktivitäten bei Vögeln führt. Diese Individualität kann für Brutvogelerfassungen und Bestandsschätzungen genutzt werden. In dieser Studie untersuchten wir die Individualität des Balzrufs männlicher Kuckucke (Cuculus canorus), um zu beschreiben, wie Individuen sich akustisch voneinander unterscheiden und um die praktischen Voraussetzungen für statistische Lernverfahren zur Individuenerkennung zu definieren. Wir sammelten Rufe einer ungarischen Kuckuckspopulation und führten Diskriminanzfunktionsanalysen zur Individuenerkennung an akustischen Parametern durch. Wir konnten zeigen, dass Individuen sich sowohl bezüglich der Frequenzen als auch der Zeitstruktur ihrer Rufe unterscheiden, am deutlichsten in der Maximalfrequenz der ersten Silbe. Unsere Auftrennung der Männchenrufe von 26 Individuen war zu fast 100 % korrekt, und selbst als wir die Stichprobengröße auf fünf Rufe pro Individuum verringerten und die Anzahl akustischer Parameter auf fünf Variablen beschränkten, lag die Genauigkeit noch bei über 90 %. Daher und weil unsere akustische Individuenerkennungstechnik einfach in der Durchführung und leicht zu automatisieren ist, wird sie für ein breites Spektrum von Studien zu Ökologie und Verhalten nutzbar sein.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Adi K, Johnson MT, Osiejuk TS (2010) Acoustic censusing using automatic vocalization classification and identity recognition. J Acoust Soc Am 127:874–883

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Aubin T, Mathevon N, da Silva ML, Vielliard JME, Sebe F (2004) How a simple and stereotyped acoustic signal transmits individual information: the song of the White-browed Warbler Basileuterus leucoblepharus. An Acad Bras Cienc 76:335–344

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Aubin T, Mathevon N, Staszewski V, Boulinier T (2007) Acoustic communication in the Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla: potential cues for sexual and individual signatures in long calls. Polar Biol 30:1027–1033

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ballintijn MR, ten Cate C, Nuijens FW, Berkhoudt H (1995) The syrinx of the collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto): structure, inter-individual variation and development. Neth J Zool 45:455–479

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boughman JW, Moss CF (2003) Social sounds: vocal learning and development of mammal and bird calls. In: Simmons A, Fay R, Popper A (eds) Acoustic communication. Springer, New York, pp 138–224

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Budde C (2001) Individual features in the calls of the grey crowned crane, Balearica regulorum gibbericeps. Ostrich 72:134–139

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Budka M, Kokocinski P (2015) The efficiency of territory mapping, point-based censusing, and point-counting methods in censusing and monitoring a bird species with long-range acoustic communication—the Corncrake Crex crex. Bird Study 62:153–160

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Budka M, Osiejuk TS (2013) Neighbour-stranger call discrimination in a nocturnal rail species, the Corncrake Crex crex. J Ornithol 154:685–694

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Budka M, Wojas L, Osiejuk TS (2015) Is it possible to acoustically identify individuals within a population? J Ornithol 156:481–488

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Catchpole CK, Slater PJB (2008) Bird songs biological themes and variations, 2nd edn. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Charrier I, Mathevon N, Jouventin P (2001) Individual identity coding depends on call type in the South Polar Skua Catharacta maccormicki. Polar Biol 24:378–382

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davies NB (2000) Cuckoos, cowbirds and other cheats. Poyser, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Dawkins R, Krebs JR (1979) Arms races between and within species. Proc R Soc Lond Ser B 205:489–511

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dentressangle F, Aubin T, Mathevon N (2012) Males use time whereas females prefer harmony: individual call recognition in the dimorphic Blue-footed Booby. Anim Behav 84:413–420

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dooling RJ (1982) Auditory perception in birds. In: Kroodsma DE, Miller EH, Ouellet H (eds) Acoustic communication in birds. Academic Press, London, pp 95–130

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Draganoiu TI, Moreau A, Ravaux L, Bonckaert W, Mathevon N (2014) Song stability and neighbour recognition in a migratory songbird, the Black Redstart. Behaviour 151:435–453

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Favaro L, Gamba M, Alfieri C, Pessani D, McElligott AG (2015) Vocal individuality cues in the African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus): a source-filter theory approach. Sci Rep 5:17255

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Fisher J (1954) Evolution and bird sociality. In: Huxley J, Hardy AC, Ford EB (eds) Evolution as a process. Allen & Unwin, London, pp 71–83

    Google Scholar 

  • Fitzsimmons LP, Barker NK, Mennill DJ (2008) Individual variation and lek-based vocal distinctiveness in songs of the Screaming Piha (Lipaugus vociferans), a suboscine songbird. Auk 125:908–914

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fuisz TI, de Kort SR (2007) Habitat-dependent call divergence in the Common Cuckoo: is it a potential signal for assortative mating? Proc R Soc B Biol Sci 274:2093–2097

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gilbert G, McGregor PK, Tyler G (1994) Vocal individuality as a census tool—practical considerations illustrated by a study of 2 rare species. J Field Ornithol 65:335–348

    Google Scholar 

  • Goller F, Riede T (2013) Integrative physiology of fundamental frequency control in birds. J Physiol Paris 107:230–242

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Grava T, Mathevon N, Place E, Balluet P (2008) Individual acoustic monitoring of the European Eagle Owl Bubo bubo. Ibis 150:279–287

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoodless AN, Inglis JG, Doucet JP, Aebischer NJ (2008) Vocal individuality in the roding calls of Woodcock Scolopax rusticola and their use to validate a survey method. Ibis 150:80–89

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jaska P, Linhart P, Fuchs R (2015) Neighbour recognition in two sister songbird species with a simple and complex repertoire—a playback study. J Avian Biol 46:151–158

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jung WJ, Lee JW, Yoo JC (2014) “Cu-coo”: can you recognize my stepparents? A study of host-specific male call divergence in the Common Cuckoo. PLoS ONE 9(3):e90468

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Kiefer S, Scharff C, Hultsch H, Kipper S (2014) Learn it now, sing it later? Field and laboratory studies on song repertoire acquisition and song use in nightingales. Naturwissenschaften 101:955–963

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kirschel ANG, Cody ML, Harlow ZT, Promponas VJ, Vallejo EE, Taylor CE (2011) Territorial dynamics of Mexican Ant-thrushes Formicarius moniliger revealed by individual recognition of their songs. Ibis 153:255–268

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Knudsen DP, Gentner TQ (2010) Mechanisms of song perception in oscine birds. Brain Lang 115:59–68

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Laiolo P (2010) The emerging significance of bioacoustics in animal species conservation. Biol Conserv 143:1635–1645

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lambrechts M, Dhondt A (1995) Individual voice discrimination in birds. In: Power D (ed) Current ornithology. Springer, New York, pp 115–139

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Lei F-M, Zhao H-F, Wang A-Z, Yin Z-H, Payne RB (2005) Vocalizations of the Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus in China. Acta Zool Sin 51:31–37

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lengagne T, Lauga J, Aubin T (2001) Intra-syllabic acoustic signatures used by the King Penguin in parent-chick recognition: an experimental approach. J Exp Biol 204:663–672

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mathevon N, Charrier I, Jouventin P (2003) Potential for individual recognition in acoustic signals: a comparative study of two gulls with different nesting patterns. CR Biol 326:329–337

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McGregor PK, Byle P (1992) Individually distinctive bittern booms: potential as a census tool. Bioacoustics 4:93–109

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mennill DJ (2011) Individual distinctiveness in avian vocalizations and the spatial monitoring of behaviour. Ibis 153:235–238

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Møller AP, Morelli F, Mousseau TA, Tryjanowski P (2016) The number of syllables in Chernobyl Cuckoo calls reliably indicate habitat, soil and radiation levels. Ecol Indic 66:592–597

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moskát C, Honza M (2000) Effect of nest and nest site characteristics on the risk of Cuckoo Cuculus canorus parasitism in the Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus. Ecography 23:335–341

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Odom KJ, Slaght JC, Gutierrez RJ (2013) Distinctiveness in the territorial calls of Great Horned Owls within and among years. J Raptor Res 47:21–30

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Payne RB (2005) The Cuckoos. Oxford University Press, Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  • Peake TM, McGregor PK (2001) Corncrake Crex crex census estimates: a conservation application of vocal individuality. Anim Biodivers Conserv 24:81–90

    Google Scholar 

  • Pollard KA, Blumstein DT, Griffin SC (2010) Pre-screening acoustic and other natural signatures for use in noninvasive individual identification. J Appl Ecol 47:1103–1109

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rek P, Osiejuk TS (2011) No male identity information loss during call propagation through dense vegetation: the case of the Corncrake. Behav Processes 86:323–328

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ritschard M, Brumm H (2012) Zebra Finch song reflects current food availability. Evol Ecol 26:801–812

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sherrer B (1984) Biostatistique. Morin, Chicoutimi

    Google Scholar 

  • Sokal RR, Rohlf FJ (1995) Biometry, 3rd edn. Freeman, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Stone M (1974) Cross-validatory choice and assessment of statistical predictions. J R Stat Soc 36:111–147

    Google Scholar 

  • Sutherland W, Newton I, Green R (2004) Bird ecology and conservation: a handbook of techniques. Oxford University Press, Oxford

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Terry AMR, Peake TM, McGregor PK (2005) The role of vocal individuality in conservation. Front Zool 2:10

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Tibbetts EA, Dale J (2007) Individual recognition: it is good to be different. Trends Ecol Evol 22:529–537

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Trujillo-Ortiz A, Hernandez-Walls R, Perez-Osuna S (2004) RAFisher2cda: canonical discriminant analysis. A Matlab file. http://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/fileexchange/4836-rafisher2cda.

  • Volodin IA, Volodina EV, Klenova AV, Filatova OA (2005) Individual and sexual differences in the calls of the monomorphic White-faced Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata. Acta Ethol 40:43–52

    Google Scholar 

  • Wei C, Jia C, Dong L, Wang D, Xia C, Zhang Y, Liang W (2015) Geographic variation in the calls of the Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus): isolation by distance and divergence among subspecies. J Ornithol 156:533–542

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zölei A, Bán M, Moskát C (2015) No change in Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus parasitism and Great Reed Warblers’ Acrocephalus arundinaceus egg rejection after seven decades. J Avian Biol 46:570–576

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zollinger SA, Podos J, Nemeth E, Goller F, Brumm H (2012) On the relationship between, and measurement of, amplitude and frequency in birdsong. Anim Behav 84:e1–e9

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

We thank Gareth Dyke for editing the manuscript. All work complied with Hungarian laws, and was approved by the Middle-Danube-Valley Inspectorate for Environmental Protection, Nature Conservation and Water Management, Budapest. S. Z. was supported by the National Research, Development and Innovation Office (NKFIH, PD-115730). The study was also supported by the National Research, Development and Innovation Office, Hungary through a grant  to C. M. (Grant No. NN118194).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Behavioural Ecology Group, Department of Systematic Zoology and Ecology, Eötvös University, Pázmány P. sétány 1/C., Budapest, 1117, Hungary

    Sándor Zsebők

  2. MTA-ELTE-MTM Ecology Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, a joint research group of the Biological Institute of Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C., Budapest, 1117, Hungary

    Csaba Moskát

  3. Hungarian Natural History Museum, Baross u. 13., Budapest, 1088, Hungary

    Csaba Moskát

  4. MTA-DE “Lendület” Behavioural Ecology Research Group, Department of Evolutionary Zoology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4010, Hungary

    Miklós Bán

Authors
  1. Sándor Zsebők
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Csaba Moskát
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Miklós Bán
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Miklós Bán.

Additional information

Communicated by M. Naguib.

Electronic supplementary material

Below is the link to the Electronic supplementary material.

Supplementary material 1 (XLSX 9 kb)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Zsebők, S., Moskát, C. & Bán, M. Individually distinctive vocalization in Common Cuckoos (Cuculus canorus). J Ornithol 158, 213–222 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10336-016-1376-9

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10336-016-1376-9

Keywords

Search

Navigation