Inter‐ and Intraspecific Variation in the Calls of Three Species of Grassfinches of the Subgenus Poephila (Gould) (Estrildidae)

To investigate the nature of the microevolutionary and ontogenetic processes that modify the behaviour of grassfinches variation in the structure, function and frequency of call‐notes was studied in captive and free‐living birds. 94 wild‐caught birds and 149 aviary‐reared offspring of the Poephila subgenus were studied; they belonged to three species each of which consisted of two races which together exhibit a spectrum of evolving forms. The calls were analyzed on a sonagraph. The size of the repertoire differed between the species and within one of them. Variation in the contact calls correlated with variation in colours of beak and plumage. The adult calls developed from the juvenile begging calls.