Vocalizations of the black-tailed prairie dog, Cynomys ludovicianus

Seven variable vocal displays of Cynomys ludovicianus were studied in a captive colony, and checked through limited field work and literature reports. The form of each display makes available information identifying its user. In addition, since each display correlates probabilistically with a consistent set of activities, it makes available information about the behaviour in which the communicator is, or may become, engaged. At least five different kinds of behaviour can be specified through the use of these displays.