Differential geographic patterns in song components of male Albert’s lyrebirds

Geographic variation in bird song has received much attention in evolutionary studies, yet few consider components within songs that may be subject to different constraints and follow different evolutionary trajectories. Here we quantify patterns of geographic variation in the socially-transmitted ‘whistle’ song of Albert’s lyrebirds (Menura alberti), an oscine passerine renowned for its remarkable vocal abilities. Albert’s lyrebirds are confined to narrow stretches of suitable habitat, allowing us to map likely paths of cultural transmission using a species distribution model and least cost paths. We use quantitative methods to break the songs into three components present in all study populations: the introductory elements, the song body, and the final element. We compare geographic separation between populations with variation in these components as well as the full song. All populations were distinguishable by song, and songs varied according to the geographic distance between popul...