Variations in Songs of Brownish-flanked Bush-Warblers ( Cettia fortipes  ) Within a Single Habitat

Many studies have indicated that there are geographic or even microgeographic variations in songs of a single bird species. We investigated whether it is possible for song variations to exist in one species within a single habitat. From March to June in 2005, the songs of Brownish-flanked Bush-Warblers within one habitat of 85 ha in Xiaoheshan Forest Park in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province were recorded using a SHARP-CE-15l recorder (frequency response 30-l4 000 Hz) and super uni-directional electric condenser microphone (frequency response 40-14 000 Hz). The song phrase patterns and sonogram structures were compared, and the time domain, frequency domain and short-time energy have been analyzed using a computer sound spectrum analysis system. The results showed that Brownish-flanked Bush-Warblers sing six different songs within this small habitat. Those songs significantly varied in tone, structure and other acoustic features, which may imply breeding competition in Brownish-flanked Bush-Warblers.