A Preliminary Analysis of the Decrescendo Call in Female Mallards (Anas Pla Tyrhynchos L.)

Authors: Russell Lockner, F.; Phillips, Richard E.

Source: Behaviour, Volume 35, Numbers 3-4, 1969 , pp. 281-287(7)

Publisher: BRILL

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Abstract:

The decrescendo is a conspicuous, species typical call characteristic of females of most Anas species. The conditions necessary for the elicitation of this call were studied in captive, paired female Mallards, Anas platyrhynchos, in both outdoor and indoor pens. Paired females gave significantly more calls when visually isolated from their mates than when their mates were present. The response was specific to separation from the mates and not to separation from familiar but non-mated males. Females did not give decrescendos when they were auditorially as well as visually isolated from their mates. The relationship between the decrescendo call of the females and the slow rähb call of the males is discussed.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/156853969X00251

Affiliations: 1: (University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.A.

Publication date: 1969-01-01