Local similarity and geographic differences in a contact call of the Galah (Cacatua roseicapilla assimilis) in Western Australia

Abstract

I made tape-recordings of the chet call of the Galah at four locations near Perth, Western Australia. The recordings were targeted on a specific small set of birds at each location to examine the hypothesis that mated pairs and small flocks of this social species share acoustic properties of their calls, and that similar small groups at more distant locations would differ. This hypothesis was derived from published field studies, which suggest that the chet call functions in individual identity, contact, coordination, and cohesion during pair and flock activities. Analysis of the acoustic properties of the chet call found it to be distinct between geographically separate groups but similar among individuals within a group. Several interpretations concerning possible individual recognition, group contact and cohesion are discussed.