Guest guest Posted June 24, 2005 Report Share Posted June 24, 2005 http://www.geekinformed.com/content/view/372/1/ Chickadee Song Used to Communicate Complex Information Contributed by Michael Friday, 24 June 2005 The unique song of the chickadee has more meaning than previously thought, according to a new study to be published Friday in the journal Science. Acoustic techniques such as the spacing and timing of notes can have complex meaning for the black-capped songbird commonly found across the United States and Canada, according to biology Ph.D. student Christopher Templeton of the University of Washington. According to Templeton, when the bird sees flying raptors such as hawks, owls and falcons, it produces a soft, high-pitched " seet " call. When they see a stationary or perched predator, the birds use a loud, wide spectrum alarm. The information-packed song can convey information about predators that may warn flockmates of danger. Researchers have found that the more " dee " notes at the end of the bird's call, the more dangerous the predator. The bird's call can also help the birds mount a coordinated defense that can drive the predator away. The study was conducted by using spectrographic analysis of more than 5,000 alarm calls made under semi-natural conditions of the small bird, which was then analyzed by researchers. The call was then played back to the birds and their reaction was observed. I’m gonna tell all you fascists you may be surprised The people in this world are getting organized You’re bound to lose, you fascists are bound to lose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.