Studies of the three coo-calls of the male Barbary Dove

Abstract

The Coo-Call of the Barbary Dove Streptopelia risoria is associated with three distinct displays, the Nest-Call, the Bowing Display and the Perch-Coo. This interval between calls is the same in the flowing Display and Perch-Coo and is species-specific. The intervals between Nest-Calls are longer and less regular. The call itself is attractive to female doves.

In studies of these calls at Helena Valley, W.A., the Nest-Call was given by males 1,000 to 7,000 times during the whole period between pair formation and egg-laying but was most common on the second day after the cock was put into the hen's cage. The male's Bowing Display was very common on the day the cock was put into her cage and rare thereafter. The Perch-Coo was the most common use of the Coo-Call in unmated doves of both sexes, and was also given by the male during darkness and while the female was incubating. All three displays could be observed at any time of the day, but most Nest-Calls were given in the morning.

Replay of Nest-Calls or Perch-Coos to isolated female doves did not decrease the interval between the introduction of the male and the laying of the first egg, indicating that the Coo-Call alone did not stimulate the female to ovulate quickly. There was a significant negative correlation between the time the female spent on the nest and the number of Nest-Calls given by the male. The Bowing Display appeared to influence the female to stay rear a bowing mate, even though its performance did not provide information by which she could predict the male's subsequent behaviour.

The Coo-Call and its three associated displays probably function as an integrated mechanism to attract an unmated female to an unmated male (Perch-Coo), keep her near the male while pair-formation occurs (Bowing Display) and attract her to potential nest-sites where tactile stimuli impinging on her underparts can stimulate ovulation (Nest-Call).