Aspects of vocal behavior of the raven (Corvus corax) in interior Alaska

Abstract

The vocal behavior of the Common Raven (Corvus corax principalis) was studied near Fairbanks, Alaska. Observations were made throughout the year on aggregations at feeding sites, soaring groups, nesting birds and birds en route to communal roost. Over 30 distinct call categories are distinguished on the basis of audible and audiospectrographic characteristics. Visual components of display which accompany the vocalizations are described for over 20 of the call categories. Kaww and Koww calls were the most frequently given vocalizations and were extremely variable within the population. Disyllabic calls (Kukwik, Kikkoo, Kulkulk) and multisyllabic calls (Kowulkulkulk and Kukuk) were the most stereotyped calls within the population. Visual components of display for disyllabic and multisyllabic calls were more stereotyped than visual components of display associated with monosyllabic calls. The highly evolved social organization of ravens and the plasticity of instinctive behavior patterns may account for its large and varied repertoire of acoustic signals.