Vocalizations of male Euplectes in captivity

The dramatic visual displays of the Euplectes- male male have led to their vocalizations being neglected. 6 male male of Euplectes franciscanus and E. after, and 2 E. hordeaceus- male male were kept in aviaries in sound-proof rooms, where vocalizations were recorded during observations of their behaviour, and later analysed on a sound spectrograph. The calls described and illustrated do not represent the complete repertoire of these species. However, the distinctive songs of E. after and E. franciscanus indicate that detailed field studies of vocalization in this genus are required.