ICDSUPL4-A021

Volume: 4, 2025
4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT

Abstract number: A021

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.A021

Published online: 9 April 2025

ICDSUPL, 4, A021 (2025)

Comparison of selected parameters of mating vocalization of common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) over various months

Piotr Nawłatyna¹*, Piotr Czyżowski¹, Damian Zieliński¹

¹ Department of Animal Ethology and Wildlife Management, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland

^{* Corresponding author: piotr.nawlatyna@up.lublin.pl}

Abstract

Vocalization plays crucial role in birds reproductive behavior, assisting females in choosing the best male for breeding. One of the most characteristic mating vocalizations of birds found in Poland are made by the common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus). Since the beginning of spring, pheasant males mark their territories and start attracting the attention of hens by using those sounds. Aim of this study was to analyze mating vocalization of roosters (duration of first, second syllabe and pause between them, time between consecutive vocalizations and peak frequency sound amplitudes of two syllables) over various months, during different stages of mating season. Vocalizations were recorded in two seasons, from April to June, in selected locations of the Lublin area. Study was based on 258 individual vocalizations of 11 recorded roosters. The obtained results indicate certain differences occurring in individual months. The highest frequency of both syllables of the emitted sound occurred in April, when fights for occupied territories take place and copulations happen most often. Duration of each syllable of vocalization was the longest in April and May, while the shortest time between consecutive vocalizations occurred in April. This indicates, that duration of whole vocalizations, time between syllables and high frequency sounds do not affect the length of pauses between successive vocalizations, when the breeding season is at it’s peak. Roosters lose interest in courtship in June, as their vocal activity decreases.

Keywords: pheasant, Phasianus colchicus, mating vocalization, reproductive behavior

How to cite

P. Nawłatyna, P. Czyżowski, D. Zieliński, 2025. Comparison of selected parameters of mating vocalization of common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) over various months. In: 4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.A021