RESEARCH
Evolution, Neuroethology, Sensory Ecology
EVOLUTION OF HIGH-FREQUENCY VOCALIZATIONS IN HUMMINGBIRDS
I study the unusually high-pitched vocalizations that some species of hummingbirds produce. I am interested in understanding the selection pressures that facilitated the evolution of these signals, the morphological and sensory adaptations that enabled them, and their social function in the species that produce them.
I am interested in understanding sex differences in signal processing in the brain and the role of the neuropeptide vasotocin (AVT) in modulating this process. Thus, I am studying how the Social Behavior Network of the hummingbird brain responds to high-frequency vocalizations, which are used as a territorial signal for males and courtship song for females.
Photo (right): Ecuadorian Hillstar male singing its high-pitched song.
By Fernanda G. Duque / AAAS
PUBLICATIONS
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Duque, F.G. and L.L. Carruth (2022). Vocal communication in hummingbirds [Review]. Brain, Behavior, and Evolution. DOI: 10.1159/000522148
We summarize some of the literature on vocal communication in hummingbirds, highlighting the complexity and richness of their vocal behavior. We also underscore the potential for discovering novel adaptations for communication in this group of birds.
Duque, F.G., Rodriguez-Saltos, C.A., Monteros, M.F., and W. Wilczynski (2020). Transmission of high-frequency vocalizations from hummingbirds living in diverse habitats. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. blaa180, https://doi.org/10.1093/biolinnean/blaa180
We evaluated patterns of attenuation and degradation of high-frequency vocalizations living in the cloud forest and the grasslands. High-frequency vocalizations are likely short-range communication signals based on the patterns of attenuation and degradation of these vocalizations.
Duque, F.G., Rodriguez-Saltos, C.A., Uma, S., Nasir, I., Monteros, M.F., Wilczynski, W., and L.L. Carruth (2020). High-frequency hearing in a hummingbird. Science Advances. 6(29): eabb9393.
First behavioral and neural evidence of high-frequency hearing in a hummingbird. The Ecuadorian Hillstar can hear the high-frequency content (>10 kHz) in its HF song. The males sing this song while courting females.
Duque, F. G., Rodriguez-Saltos, C.A., and W. Wilczynski (2018). High-frequency vocalizations in Andean hummingbirds. Current Biology. 28, 17: R927-R928.
Discovery of high-frequency (HF) vocalizations in four species of Andean hummingbirds. Three species live in the cloud forest, while one, the Ecuadorian Hillstar, lives in the high-altitude grasslands. The Hillstar produces the most complex HF song with the highest fundamental frequency in a bird vocalization.
FEATURED ON THE MEDIA
Photo (left): The throat of the Ecuadorian Hillstar male inflates while producing the high-pitched song.
By Fernanda G. Duque
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
September 01, 2020
ASSOCIATED PRESS
July 17, 2020
DIARIO EL PAIS
August 04, 2020
POPULAR SCIENCE
October 18, 2018
FUNDING
Thanks to the institutions that support my research.
Research Coordination Network on the Genetics and Genomics of Social Behavior.
Research Exchange Award.
Margaret Morse Nice Award.
Graduate Research grant.
Student Research Grant.
Konishi Neuroethology Research Award.
An Ecuadorian Hillstar female and its juvenile male begging for food.
Photo by Fernanda G. Duque
©2023 by Fernanda G. Duque. All rights reserved.