Estudo bioacústico do formigueiro-assobiador (Myrmeciza loricata (Lichtenstein, 1823); Aves: Thamnophilidae) na Reserva Biológica Municipal Poço D’Anta, Juiz de Fora – MG

Abstract

The vocal repertoire of a bird is composed by song and calls, which has structural and functional differences. The vocal repertoire is a tool that can be used to support studies in systematics, conservation, ecology, and moreover is absolutely relevant on behavioral studies. The White-bibbed Antbird (Myrmeciza loricata) is an endemic bird of the Atlantic Forest and belongs to the family Thamnophilidae, which is one of the most important families in the Neotropics. The aim of this study was to describe the White-bibbed Antbird vocal repertoire. Fieldwork was conducted through one year in the Biological Reserve of Poço D’Anta, Juiz de Fora – MG, Brazil. The vocalizations were recorded with Zoom H4n digital portable recorder and unidirectional condenser microphone and each vocal event was registered in spreadsheet. The software Raven Pro 1.3 was used to produce the sonograms of vocalizations which allowed measuring the acoustic parameters. We found that the White-bibbed Antbird repertoire is composed by three calls and the song. The male song emission promoted responses from others animals in the neighborhood, which may suggest that this vocalization is related to territorial defense. The call I - alarm was emitted when the observer walked in the trail and when he was approaching a place where there were individuals. The call II was emitted by the males and females when they were near or far away from each other, and during the flight. The couple can use this call for mutual recognition and to keep in touch. The call III was emitted when the animals were foraging and when the individuals of the couple were very near from each other. Males and females sing in duet and the male and female songs were individually distinct. We found that males initiate all duets, that females does not sing in isolation from males, and that duets therefore occur as a result of females replying to male songs. The duet is possibly related with keeping the pair bond, synchronize breeding and to warn potential intruders the mated condition of the pair.