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Response to conspecific and heterospecific alarm calls in mixed-species bird flocks of a Sri Lankan rainforest

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  • Eben Goodale
  • Sarath W. Kotagama

Abstract

The flow of information about predators in mixed-species groups is likely to influence the structure and organization of these communities. To map this flow, it is necessary to demonstrate in a playback experiment that animals use the information provided in heterospecific calls. We investigated the response of birds to conspecific and heterospecific calls in a mixed-species flock system of a Sri Lankan rainforest. We played back the aerial alarm calls of the species that produce the most alarms, the Orange-billed Babbler (Turdoides rufescens) and the Greater Racket--tailed Drongo (Dicrurus paradiseus), as well as natural choruses of alarm calls of several species, to 4 species of birds. We found that babblers moved quickly away from the playback speaker after hearing either babbler or drongo alarm calls. Ashy-headed Laughingthrushes (Garrulax cinereifrons) responded similarly to drongo alarm calls. Response by other species was less clear: Malabar Trogons (Harpectes fasciatus) stayed perched for longer during alarms of several species; drongos showed no difference in response to any treatment. We conclude that birds are listening to heterospecifics and suggest that their response is influenced by several factors, including their foraging technique. The fact that the babbler, the gregarious leading species of the flocks, gains information from another species is one of the first indications that such a "nuclear" species can benefit from its participation in mixed-species flocks, and the response of at least 2 species to drongo alarms emphasizes the importance sentinel species such as drongos may play in flock communities. Copyright 2008, Oxford University Press.

Suggested Citation

  • Eben Goodale & Sarath W. Kotagama, 2008. "Response to conspecific and heterospecific alarm calls in mixed-species bird flocks of a Sri Lankan rainforest," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 19(4), pages 887-894.
  • Handle: RePEc:oup:beheco:v:19:y:2008:i:4:p:887-894
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/beheco/arn045
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    Cited by:

    1. Daniela Campobello & Maurizio Sarà & James F. Hare, 2012. "Under my wing: lesser kestrels and jackdaws derive reciprocal benefits in mixed-species colonies," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 23(2), pages 425-433.
    2. Ari E. Martínez & Rosana T. Zenil, 2012. "Foraging guild influences dependence on heterospecific alarm calls in Amazonian bird flocks," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 23(3), pages 544-550.
    3. Lilah Hubbard & William King & Anmy Vu & Daniel T. Blumstein, 2015. "Heterospecific nonalarm vocalizations enhance risk assessment in common mynas," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 26(2), pages 632-638.

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