Vocal behavior, morphology and hybridization of Australian spotted and yellow-rumped pardalotes (Aves, Pardalotus). American Museum novitates ; no. 2756
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Date
1983
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New York, N.Y. : American Museum of Natural History
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Abstract
"In the course of varied Australian field studies during 1979 and 1980 we were able to devote some effort to investigating the vocalizations and other behavior of the closely related, largely allopatric spotted pardalote (Pardalotus punctatus) in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria; and to a lesser extent the yellow-rumped pardalote (P. xanthopygus) in Victoria. A few specimens were collected of birds whose voices were recorded on tape. Morphological studies of these and other specimens demonstrate the similarity of the two taxa. Their vocal repertory includes seven major vocalizations. Of these, six are calls, five in punctatus and three in xanthopygus. Probably all six calls are found in both forms. Differences in those of the calls found in both are nil or slight. Males of both species sing songs and abbreviated songs similar generally in quality and tone, but differing between the two taxa in details of structure, pitch, and temporal arrangement of elements. Some vocalizations intermediate in form, pitch and timing, together with morphological data, indicate convergence of their characters in areas of contact in Victoria. Three of four specimens collected in Victoria are hybrids or likely hybrids as determined by their morphology and vocalizations. The vocal repertory as presented for the two taxa may be complete, but more data are needed, especially from P. xanthopygus. The extent of their hybridization, and hence their taxonomic status remain to be established fully, since they meet in three different regions (southwestern Australia, South Australia, and southeastern Australia), and the only detailed studies, reported here, cover but one region, and that only partly"--P. [1].
Description
15 p. : ill. ; 26 cm.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 14).
Includes bibliographical references (p. 14).
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