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The Function And Evolution Of Wood-Warbler Flight Calls (Parulidae), Zach G. Gayk

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Animals produce vocalizations to communicate with territorial rivals, to communicate with potential mates, to alert others of predators, or to stay in contact with other animals. To date, little research has focused on the vocalizations that animals use to communicate during migration. Many birds produce flight calls, which are short calls given by migratory birds on the wing. The function of flight calls is poorly understood but they are thought to help migrants maintain contact with other individuals during movements between breeding grounds and wintering grounds. Across four data chapters in my dissertation, I investigated the function and evolution of …