Vocalizations of nestling noisy miners Manorina melanocephala

Abstract

The vocaliations of nestling Noisy Miners were investigated. There was a significant linear regression of rate of vocalization before and after feeding occurred. The rate of vocalization after feeding changed in a predictable way with increasing age of nestlings. The amplitude of vocdizations produced when visitors were present at the nest did not differ significantly from those produced when visitors were absent. There was a correlation between the structure of vocalizations and the time of vocalization. Unlike some other species, the phonic structure of vocalizations by nestlings facilitates location. This may be a consequence of the system of communal breeding by the species and vocalizations by the nestlings may be designed to facilitate location by males so that males can feed them.