Notes on the vocalizations of Azure-crested Flycatcher (Myiagra azureocapilla)

In the following we briefly analyze and compare voice of the three races of Azure-crested Flycatcher (Myiagra azureocapilla). We also try to quantify the extent of any vocal differences using the criteria proposed by Tobias et al. (2010), as a support for taxonomic review. We have made use of sound recordings available on-line from Xeno Canto (XC) and Macaulay Library (ML).

Race azureocapilla (n=9): Most common vocalization is a series of identical whistles given at a fast pace (illustrated by multiple sonograms in the pdf version of this note).

Race whitneyi (n=5): Song structurally similar to azureocapilla and also a slower-paced series

Race castaneigularis (n=1): Song structurally similar

The fast almost trilled series with notes in a narrow frequency range and the slower-paced series with notes over a larger frequency range are likely functionally two different vocalizations. With so few examples of whitneyi and castaneigularis , consistent differences compared to azureocapilla are difficult to prove. Also, the frequency of delivery of the different vocalizations is impossible to quantify, but azureocapilla seems to utter the fast almost trilled series much more than other races.

whitneyi  may have a somewhat higher-pitched slow series compared to azureocapilla.

castaneigularis seems to differ from both other races in somewhat slower trilled series and much lower frequency of slow series.

These differences are obviously quite speculative, and need to be confirmed by more recordings. If differences prove to be consistent, this may lead to estimated scores of 2-3.

This note was finalized on 19th January 2015, using sound recordings available on-line at that moment. We would like to thank in particular the sound recordists who placed their recordings for this species on XC and ML: Michael Anderson, Matthias Feuersenger, Mark O'Brien and Douglas Pratt.

References

Tobias, J.A., Seddon, N., Spottiswoode, C.N., Pilgrim, J.D., Fishpool, L.D.C. & Collar, N.J. (2010). Quantitative criteria for species delimitation. Ibis 152(4): 724–746.

More Information: on196_azure-crested_flycatcher.pdf