Vocalizations of the Whimbrel on Its Breeding Grounds

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Abstract
Vocalizations of adult and young whimbrels [Numenius phaeopus] were recorded during the breeding seasons of 1973 and 1974 near Churchill, Manitoba, [Canada]. Ten adult calls noted were low whistle, low trill (composed of 1, 2 or 3 phrases), whining, variable chase, settling, whit, short predator alarm, long predator alarm, scolding trill (3 types), and adult-to-chick contact call. A peep and wheee call were distinguished for chicks up to 1 wk old. The context in which calls were heard is described, and suggestions are made as to the function of the calls. Whimbrels have an aerial display song consisting of the low whistle call, repeated up to 20 times, followed by the 3-phrase low trill call. The display associated with this is described, and appears to function chiefly in self-advertisement. A distraction display occurs infrequently, and associated with this is the type III scolding trill call. The adaptive advantage of the physical nature of various calls is discussed, particularly with respect to the ease with which the source of a sound can be located. Calls with short abrupt notes (particularly those spanning a wide frequency range), such as the low trill, short and long predator alarm, scolding trill and adult-to-chick contact calls would be relatively easy to locate. Long calls of high frequency without sharp intensity changes, such as the whining call and the 2 chick calls would be difficult to locate.

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