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23

Rhamphocelus, Apr. 26, 1958 III             

The CN's may also contain a relatively stronger escape component than some other calls, the [[phi symbol]] for instance. One flock I approached was doing lots of [[phi symbol]] when I was some distance away; then stopped and began to  utter nothing but CN's, with lots of nervous-looking flailing as I approached; and then flew off when I came nearer still.

Actually, this series of Tss Notes which I called a triplet above is sometimes, at least, a series of 4. Perhaps [[image]]. Perhaps the last note is transitional or intermediate to the CN.

Now I have heard several little more bursts of TssN's. And I still haven't got the pattern straight. Perhaps up to 5 notes in some series. Probably quite variable. In pitch and tone. Some of the notes do seem to be transitional to the CN; but not necessarily, or not necessarily only, the last note of a series.

Some of these series of Tss Notes are given from apparently unritualized more or less erect postures.

It is probable that all the birds can give these series of Tss Notes, but I am only absolutely certain that adult males do.

I have heard a presumed female given an R-Rsp performance just like my captive bird.

I have also heard adult males give the R, at least, like the captive bird.

I have now heard more of the [[phi symbol]] (without the terminal CN, which does not seem to be an integral part of the performance), again without seeing the accompanying postures & movements there is no doubt but that it is morphologically quite distinct from the R.

One adult male stood on top of a bare tree, and repeatedly utter 

Transcription Notes:
Author writes as: Rhamphocelus [[image: sketch of series of 4 Tss notes]] Ф phi