Vocal dialects in parrots: patterns and processes of cultural evolution

Area of Science:

• Avian communication
• Bioacoustics
• Animal behavior

Background:

• Vocal dialects, geographic variations in learned vocalizations, were first documented in songbirds.
• Most research on vocal dialects has focused on songbirds, leaving other vocal learning groups understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate geographic variation in parrot (Order Psittaciformes) calls.
• To compare vocal variation patterns in parrots with those found in songbirds.
• To assess the role of dialects in parrot population structure and social dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of vocal variation in parrots.
• Survey of geographic variation in calls of the parrot genus *Amazona* using sound libraries.

Main Results:

• Parrots display significant geographic variation in calls, with over 90% showing shared local call types.
• The genus *Amazona* revealed similar patterns, with 69% of species exhibiting geographic variation.
• Vocal dialects were found to be evolutionarily labile and widespread across parrot lineages.
• Little evidence supports dialects as drivers of genetic differentiation; social benefits of matching local calls appear more significant.

Conclusions:

• Parrot vocal dialects mirror songbird patterns, characterized by shared local call types.
• Dialects are widespread and socially maintained, with implications for managing captive and endangered parrot populations.
• Future research should experimentally investigate the social benefits of dialects and comparative studies to understand variation drivers.