On the multivariate analysis of avian vocalizations.

Abstract In a recent paper in this journal, Sparling & Williams (1978) demonstrated several multivariate techniques by applying them to measurements of albatross calls. Their paper contains a useful summary of the literature, but includes several misleading interpretations of the analyses. Since the stated purpose of that article was to familiarize biologists with proper uses of the statistical methods, it is important to clarify the problems, some of which I discuss below. I then mention how such techniques are likely to be particularly valuable in the near future, when coupled with real-time sound spectrum analysis.