Repertoire‐based individual acoustic monitoring of a migratory passerine bird with complex song as an efficient tool for tracking territorial dynamics and annual return rates

摘要: Summary In field ecological and behavioural studies, it is often necessary to identify specific individuals. In birds, colour rings are frequently used mark individuals; however, difficult observe, especially in small species dense habitats. Acoustic-based monitoring detecting individuals by their characteristic vocalization a potentially suitable alternative, but this approach challenging with complex songs. On the example of Tree Pipit (Anthus trivialis), migratory passerine singing flight or from perches obscured foliage, we demonstrate that acoustic based on syllable repertoire can be very efficient tool for individual recognition. During 3-year study, obtained over 500 recordings males one study population (a number them returning after winter). Males banded were repeatedly recorded throughout seasons, repertoires determined spectrograms each recording. The unambiguously identified male was distinct stable within as well between seasons; similar differed syntax. Based congruence identification solely spectrogram assessment, observation rings, inferred reliable (including non-ringed ones) possible studied assessing song syntax <5-min recording (containing 20–30 songs). The acoustic-based data: (i) increased overall estimated territorial at locality (from 49 ringed 61), improved estimates period presence; (ii) revealed dynamic within-season changes territory occupancy would otherwise missed; (iii) allowed birds ones those actively avoiding approaching humans). Our results suggest some commonly methods may substantially underestimate return rates bird species. Individual should applicable various repertoires, particularly useful living habitat sensitive handling.