PhD Student - Suhridam Roy

Guides - K S Gopi Sundar and Suhel Quader

My doctoral research investigates the intricate world of avian communication, with a specific focus on the coordinated vocal displays known as duets among non-passerine species, particularly the Sarus crane (Antigone antigone). Despite extensive studies on the functions of avian duets, the structural complexities and ecological contexts of these vocalisations, especially in non-passerines, remain underexplored. This research aims to bridge these gaps by examining the duet forms, structural variations, and ecological influences across three geographically distinct regions in India: Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Haryana.

Through the analysis of 215 duets from 136 Sarus crane pairs, I discovered that their duets maintain a consistent three-component structure (intro, trill, and syllabic) across regions, exhibiting random variation patterns influenced by local ecological processes rather than geographical distance. Additionally, I explored gender recognition within these vocalisations, uncovering significant differences between male and female notes. This finding enhances our understanding of how Sarus cranes utilize auditory signals for gender identification. Furthermore, my research introduces the concept of triets, a coordinated vocal performance involving three cranes, revealing its role in resource defence and vocal learning. These findings offer valuable insights into the complexities of avian vocal communication and underscore the necessity for further research across diverse bird species to fully comprehend their ecological and social dynamics.

This research offers the first bioacoustic investigation of duet and trio vocalizations in Sarus Cranes globally, significantly advancing our understanding of non-passerine bird communication. By analyzing duet structure, geographic variation, and social dynamics, the study highlights the role of these vocal behaviors in maintaining species identity, pair bonding, and territorial communication. Consistent broad duet structures across various regions emphasize their importance for species identity, while sex-specific attributes indicate crucial roles in intrasexual territoriality and local dispersal.

The findings reveal that duet coordination, which signals pair quality, adapts to population density, with more coordinated duets in high-density sites and trios predominating in resource-scarce contexts. This underscores the adaptive significance of collaborative vocal behavior in territory defense. The study also highlights the unique social structure of trios in Sarus Cranes, providing insights into their adaptation strategies in response to ecological pressures.

Understanding these vocal behaviors can inform conservation strategies. Acoustic sexing offers a non-invasive monitoring method, enhancing data collection and guiding conservation measures. This research deepens our comprehension of Sarus Cranes' complex vocalizations, contributing to the broader field of behavioral science and avian communication. It emphasizes the need to consider vocal behavior in conservation plans, highlighting adaptive strategies birds use to navigate ecological and social challenges.

Roy is the most genial person to be around. He has a graduate degree in Zoology and a post-graduate degree in forestry from Forest Research Institute. When not busy in research one can find him travelling to different places, cooking, cleaning, painting, sketching, and creating art using resin and clay.