Variation in song structure of the Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis) along an urban gradient in southwestern Peru

Montes-Rivas R.; Gamarra-Toledo V.; López E.; Araya-Salas M. · Ornitologia Neotropical (2022) · DOI: 10.58843/ornneo.vi.943

Resumen

Song plays a crucial role in bird ecology and behavior, and understanding the processes that alter the production and transmission of song is fundamental to elucidate its response to changes in the environment. In this context, urban environments represent useful study systems for understanding this adaptation. To this end, we examined the song structure of the Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis) along an urban gradient in the city of Arequipa, southwestern Peru. We obtained 240 songs in total from 80 individuals, distributed in urban, suburban, rural, and wild areas, and we analyzed the maximum frequency, minimum frequency and duration of the introduction and trill. We found significant differences in the spectral (minimum frequency) along the urban gradient. We also found that the minimum frequencies of introduction and trill were higher in urbanized areas, while the maximum frequencies and durations of both parts of the song did not vary. The anthropogenic noise effects or vertical concrete structures in highly urbanized areas could explain variation in song traits of this common species in the city of Arequipa, and this study shows that the minimum frequency of this species is the most susceptible parameter presenting variations in environments with different degrees of urbanization. Communicated by Luis Sandoval © Neotropical Ornithological Society.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa