Vocal foragers and silent crowds: context-dependent vocal variation in Northeast Atlantic long-finned pilot whales.

ABSTRACT:

Abstract

Vocalisations form a key component of the social interactions and foraging behaviour of toothed whales. We investigated changes in calling and echolocation behaviour of long-finned pilot whales between foraging and non-foraging periods, by combining acoustic recordings and diving depth data from tagged individuals with concurrent surface observations on social behaviour of their group. The pilot whales showed marked vocal variation, specific to foraging and social context. During periods of foraging, pilot whales showed more vocal activity than during non-foraging periods (rest, travel). In addition to the expected increase in echolocation activity, call rates also increased, suggesting that pilot whales communicate more during foraging. Furthermore, calls with multiple in

SUBMITTER: Visser F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5674111 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature