Author:
Selbmann Anna,Miller Patrick J. O.,Wensveen Paul J.,Svavarsson Jörundur,Samarra Filipa I. P.
Abstract
AbstractAcoustic sequences have been described in a range of species and in varying complexity. Cetaceans are known to produce complex song displays but these are generally limited to mysticetes; little is known about call combinations in odontocetes. Here we investigate call combinations produced by killer whales (Orcinus orca), a highly social and vocal species. Using acoustic recordings from 22 multisensor tags, we use a first order Markov model to show that transitions between call types or subtypes were significantly different from random, with repetitions and specific call combinations occurring more often than expected by chance. The mixed call combinations were composed of two or three calls and were part of three call combination clusters. Call combinations were recorded over several years, from different individuals, and several social clusters. The most common call combination cluster consisted of six call (sub-)types. Although different combinations were generated, there were clear rules regarding which were the first and last call types produced, and combinations were highly stereotyped. Two of the three call combination clusters were produced outside of feeding contexts, but their function remains unclear and further research is required to determine possible functions and whether these combinations could be behaviour- or group-specific.
Funder
Icelandic Research Fund
Office of Naval Research
US Living Marine Resources
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
Direction Générale de l'Armement
Icelandic Centre for Research
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
National Geographic Global Exploration Fund
Russel Trust Award, University of St Andrews
Earthwatch Institute
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC