A Comparative Study of the Songs and Alarm Calls of some Parus Species

Titmice vocalizations are presented with a view to examining variation within and between species. Analyses are derived from field recordings of British Parus species, and from available disc recordings. Spectrographic and oscillographic analyses are made of territorial song and alarm calls. The extent of song divergence and alarm call convergence is illustrated and discussed in addition to data on variation of these calls within species. Some brief notes on field behaviour are included and methods of sound production in birds discussed.