Song learning by the Three-wattled Bellbird

What is it about?

The Three-wattled Bellbird (Procnias tricarunculata) calls with distinct dialects which change slightly from year to year. Genetic testing and behavioral observations imply that these calls are learned. Some bellbirds are bi-dialect (mostly immature individuals).

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Why is it important?

Procnias tricarunculata is a sub-oscine, a group not known to learn regional dialects. As many studies from species in tropical regions are showing, general descriptions and rules may not apply across all species of particular groups.