Researchers from Cornell University’s Lab of Ornithology and the Donana Biological Station in Spain have discovered that birds from more than 20 species across four continents use nearly identical whining sounds as vocal warnings. These sounds occur when birds notice parasitic species, such as cuckoos, approaching their territory. Parasitic birds lay their eggs in the nests of other species so that the host species will raise their offspring instead of their own. The warning calls help hosts to identify potential threats and deter the parasites from laying eggs.

The study, one of the largest and most comprehensive investigations into brood parasites to date, demonstrates that the similar learned vocalizations are based on an innate response shared across multiple bird species. The research, published on October 3 in Nature Ecology and Evolution, provides insights into the role of natural selection in the evolution of vocal communication systems in birds.

Source: Cornell University

Source Type: College

Source Location: Ithaca

Ithaca, NY

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