Reevaluation of dialect boundaries in the Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella) based on citizen science data: Should we split or lump?

• DOI: 10.1016/j.avrs.2023.100115
• Publication Date: 2023-07-03T22:07:33Z
• Authors: Lucie Diblíková; Pavel Pipek; Stanislav Vosolsobě; Adam Petrusek; Tereza Petrusková
• Keywords: Songbird; Emberizidae; Variation (astronomy); Citizen Science; Pooling

Dialects are a specific form of geographic variation birdsong with relatively sharp boundaries between distinct song characteristics, which provide opportunities for focused studies processes underlying the emergence spatial patterns in vocalization. Several songbird species that exhibit dialects became models such research, and some them large-scale datasets were assembled included recordings provided by public. Among them, Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella, Emberizidae) is particularly prominent, as it has been recently subject dedicated citizen science projects focusing on its dialect distribution. The most successful, terms public participation well number density obtained recordings, was Czech Yellowhammers (DCY) project, detailed data at whole-country level. A mosaic almost all common variants known across Europe observed Czechia, but results indicated traditionally recognized may not represent geographically clustered variants, least Central Europe. We quantitatively analysed (frequency temporal characteristics modulation) terminal element three defined arbitrary frequency thresholds DCY. Multivariate analyses pooling these to two groups reflects songs, their distribution, better than retaining current classification or finer splitting even more categories. simple measures be used However, we warn from indiscriminate transposing one region another, lead substantial biases. Future will benefit big scientists, maximise usefulness further careful delineation essential.