Bioacoustic variation in Wren Troglodytes troglodytes populations on Welsh islands. Issue 2 (2nd April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gonzalo-Tarodo, Aurora; Facey, Richard J.; Vafidis, Jim O.
• Is Part Of: Bird study. Volume 67:Issue 2(2020)
• Page Start: 173
• Page End: 180
• Publication Date: 2020-04-02
• Subjects: Birds -- Ecology -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Birds -- Conservation -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Birds -- Ecology -- Periodicals; Birds -- Conservation -- Periodicals; Birds -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Birds -- Geographical distribution -- Periodicals; Birds -- Counting -- Periodicals; 598.170941
• DOI: 10.1080/00063657.2020.1785390
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0006-3657

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Capsule: Duration and peak frequency of Wren Troglodytes troglodytes songs differ between Welsh islands (Skokholm, Flat Holm, and Sully Island) and a mainland site, suggesting random or cultural divergence. Aims: The study tests for differences in bioacoustic traits in Wren song between four breeding sites. Methods: Songs from breeding male Wrens were recorded from three Welsh islands and a representative location on the local mainland. Each sonogram was measured for six variables from the whole song and two distinct phrases from the beginning and middle. The variables were measured manually using an open source acoustic tool and compared between sites using generalized linear mixed-effects models. Results: There was significant variation in song variables between island sites and the mainland. Skokholm Wren songs were significantly longer in duration than all other sites by up to 66%. Peak frequency was significantly different across all sites with Sully Island having the highest peak frequency and Skokholm the lowest. Conclusion: The differences in song duration and frequency do not directly suggest a trend associated with selective pressures such as habitat or noise, but instead may be explained by non-selective drivers such as cultural drift or local dialect formation.