Vocal Repertoire of the Black-Capped Chickadee

Abstract

The physical characteristics, usages, and probable functions of 11 vocalizations of adult black-capped chickadees [Parus atricapillus] and 2 of the young are described. Some modifications of the vocal repertoire as compared with other passerines were associated with sociality and hole-nesting. The fee-bee, usually considered the song of this chickadee, is less complex that some call notes and also has some differences in function compared to the songs of other passerines. The 2 most complex calls (chick-a-dee and gargle) are associated with social activities. Bocal signals trend toward sexual segregation, which may be important in a monomorphic species. The vocalizations are compared with those of other parids, and selection pressures acting on the structure of vocalizations are discussed. The more complex vocalizations of this species have been studied extensively as mentioned in the accounts below, and are only generally described here.