Song dialects, and vocal development of Savannah sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis labradorius, Howe) breeding in Newfoundland and the St. Pierre et Miquelon islands

• Main Author: Pitocchelli, Jay
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 1981
• Subjects: Newfoundland
• Online Access: https://research.library.mun.ca/5825/; https://research.library.mun.ca/5825/1/Pitocchelli_Jay.pdf; https://research.library.mun.ca/5825/3/Pitocchelli_Jay.pdf

Dialect differences were found in primary song of male Savannah Sparrows (P. s., labradorius) from 10 different breeding localities in Newfoundland and the St. Pierre et Miquelon Islands. Sonograph analysis reproduced note types comprising primary song which were entered into a cluster analysis to determine similarity in song amongst different breeding localities. Sonographs of vocalizations from nestlings and fledglings reveal that some note types comprising primary song and male aggressive notes develop from contact and begging notes of juvenile birds. Homology of breeding display and accompanying flight song of male Savannah Sparrows within the Emberizinae are also discussed.