2016
DOI: 10.1242/jeb.131649
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Specialized primary feathers produce tonal sounds during flight in rock pigeons (Columba livia)

Abstract: For centuries, naturalists have suggested that the tonal elements of pigeon wing sounds may be sonations (non-vocal acoustic signals) of alarm. However, spurious tonal sounds may be produced passively as a result of aeroelastic flutter in the flight feathers of almost all birds. Using mechanistic criteria emerging from recent work on sonations, we sought to: (1) identify characteristics of rock pigeon flight feathers that might be adapted for sound production rather than flight, and (2) provide evidence that t… Show more

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Cited by 18 publications
(11 citation statements)
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References 57 publications
(102 reference statements)
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“…communicative signals [4]. Consistent with this proposal are studies showing that wing vibrations in Drosophila are brought about by contraction of the indirect flight muscles (IFMs) that power flight [5,6].…”
Section: Introductionmentioning
confidence: 76%
“…communicative signals [4]. Consistent with this proposal are studies showing that wing vibrations in Drosophila are brought about by contraction of the indirect flight muscles (IFMs) that power flight [5,6].…”
Section: Introductionmentioning
confidence: 76%
“…Asymmetry in feathers has been thought to improve aerodynamic function; moving the rachis towards the leading edge gives each feather a more aerofoil-like cross-section [68,69]. Asymmetry also serves to prevent undesired aeroelastic flutter during flight, increasing the air velocity threshold by modifying feather stiffness and geometry [70,71]. In special cases, aeroelastic flutter can be desired; birds use the phenomenon to produce sound.…”
Section: Feathered Wingsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…In terms of aerodynamics, flight feathers are a topic of interest for efficient and quiet flying [6]. On the other hand, some hummingbirds use their tail feathers to produce sounds for courtship [7,8] owing to morphological specializations of these tail feathers [9,10]. However, the bird's body is covered by contour feathers, resolving its body shape and protecting the thin skin from the environment.…”
Section: Introductionmentioning
confidence: 99%