The repertoire and structure of vocalizations of the Southern Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis ceylonensis) in the Kandy region, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Bird vocalizations could be used to analyze various ecological aspects and hypotheses as the environment affects the evolution of acoustic signals. Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis ceylonensis) is one such ideal candidate for ecological studies in Sri Lanka since it shows a wide variety of interesting behaviors including elaborative vocalizations. Yet, there has been hardly any scientific studies directed towards the vocalization activities or on the ecological aspects of this bird. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the vocalization behavior and its physical parameters in order to identify the characteristics that need further studying and to understand the role of this bird in its habitats. The study was carried out in two sites, Peradeniya and Balagolla located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka between February and August, 2015. Behavioral observation was done according to the focal animal sampling method, and continuous recording was used as the sampling rule. Vocalizations were video recorded using a Canon SX 700 digital camera containing a built-in microphone. Recorded acoustic data were transcribed and a sonogram was obtained for each vocalization pattern. Parameters such as maximum frequency, minimum frequency duration, and intervals between phrases were used to describe and analyze the physical features of the vocalization. The dominant call of magpie robin was an inflection note. Alarm call had a physical structure fulfilling the requirements of a mobbing call. The structure of the territorial songs of the Magpie Robin ranged from simple to complex notations and holds a physical structure conducive to communicating in open habitats. Males aggressively defended territory boundaries by the usage of complex and elaborate songs.

Untitled

“…A difference in low frequency was also observed in the morning with higher ambient noise than the evening. As compared to previous studies (Koli 2014;Wanniarachchi & Wijesundara 2016), our study showed that the low and high frequencies obtained were lower. The range of frequency of the Oriental Magpie Robin found in our study was lower, but higher in time interval between strophes than those found in Thailand (Danmek & Sitasuwan 2016).…”

“…The Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis), locally known as Murai Kampung, is a common songbird that can be found in many open habitats (Danmek & Sitasuwan 2017;Davison & Yeap 2010;Dunmak & Sitasuwan 2007;Koli 2014;Robson 2000;Wanniarachchi & Wijesundara 2016;Wells 2010). It is very vocal in urban areas and this makes it an ideal species to examine the effects of urban environmental factors on its acoustic communication involving flexible song traits (McCarthy et al 2013).…”

“…It is very vocal in urban areas and this makes it an ideal species to examine the effects of urban environmental factors on its acoustic communication involving flexible song traits (McCarthy et al 2013). Previous studies done in India (Koli 2014) and Sri Lanka (Wanniarachchi & Wijesundara 2016) only focused on various song structures of the Oriental Magpie Robin but not the effect of ambient noise toward its vocalisation. In view of the rapid urbanisation happening in Malaysia, this study examined the vocalisation of the Oriental Magpie Robin in response to anthropogenic noise and environmental factors found in the urban, suburban and rural areas in the country.…”

Preliminary Study: Application of Spot-mapping Technique for Estimating the Size of Oriental Magpie Robin Cospychus saularis (Aves: Muscicapidae) Territories in Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)

“…saularis is a secondary cavity nester; which both male and female build up their nests in natural cavities like tree holes and artificial cavities like nest boxes or any holes in a building (Singh, Bhatt, Sethi & Dadwal, 2016). Being classified as a territorial species, the male of C. saularis utters its territorial song to establish their own territory and attract females during mating season (Bhatt, Kumar, Singh & Payne, 2000;Catchpole & Slater, 2008;Wanniarachchi & Wijesundara, 2016). It also maintains its own territory, which is known as territoriality.…”

“…This act will occur when the male individual acts defensively toward any intruders within a specific area of which it fully uses its territorial area for nesting activities, obtaining food resources, and mating (Brown, 1964;Odum & Kuenzler, 1955). The territorial area might consist of a part or entire space used by the male individual to carry out its daily activities during mating and breeding season (Catchpole & Slater, 2008;Wanniarachchi & Wijesundara, 2016).…”