Viewing page 15 of 142

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

   The Evolution of Song and Song-like Patterns in Some 
               New World Passerines 

  I  Neotropical finches, tanagers, honeycreepers. Present clarification into families, sub-families, tribes, etc., not necessarily covert, but no doubt that all these groups clearly related to one another. 

 II  Several vocal patterns present in some or all species of every group:

     (a). Indefinite repetition of essentially similar notes. Throughout the day in some groups. Probably the primitive condition.
     (b). Clear plaintive essentially single notes. Frustrated sex org.
     (c). Hoarse, harsh, rattling notes. Hostile.
     (d). Juvenile "sub-song".

III. Definition of song
          Thorpe's.
          Mine.

 IV  Evolution song-like patterns.
     (a)  Indefinite repetition single notes lot in some species, confined to early morning in others -- but otherwise [[underline]] very communicative in form. [[/underline]] Why? Worthwhile to attract females other species? Dangerous to alter form successful display.
     (b). No "real" songs some species. HN's and PN's separate.
     (c)  One or more "real" songs other species HN's and

[[end page]]























Transcription Notes:
William Homan Thorpe (1902 – 1986) was Professor of Animal Ethology at the University of Cambridge, and a significant ornithologist.