Individual recognition by voice in the pukeko,Porphyrio porphyrio melanotus(Aves: Rallidae)

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
I examine individual recognition of crowing calls in the pukeko (Porphyrio porphyrio melanotus Temminck). Qualitative and quantitative acoustic analyses show that crowing calls of individual males differ, but not females. These calls do not conform to a group signature. Both sexes respond selectively to the played-back crowing calls of different male pukeko. They respond most strongly to the calls of a stranger, less to those of neighbours, and less still to those of fellow group members. Males respond more strongly and move more often towards the sound than do females. This is explained by the greater role males play in territorial defence. Individuality in crowing calls is seen as being important in territorial advertisement and in identification of individuals within an interterritorial dominance hierarchy.