We are seeking two PhD students to investigate dialect formation and function in New Zealand’s endangered North Island kokako, Callaeas cinerea wilsoni. Kokako are a duetting species with long, complex songs and easily distinguishable dialects – often several within single continuous populations. During territorial interactions, both male and female pair members perform many of the same countersinging behaviours as those used by more familiar solo-singing species. Having established an understanding of the species’ song structure and singing behaviour, we are turning our attention to how dialects develop and influence communication in kokako populations.
Kokako provide a remarkable system for dialect studies for several reasons. One major advantage of studying dialects in this species is that an ambitious program of species translocation and reintroduction has created new populations in which we can follow patterns of song change as they occur, rather than examining only the “end result” of dialect formation. Examples of populations established by founders from one and multiple source populations are available, allowing comparison of the degree and kinds of change arising from cultural drift and abrupt mixing of vocal traditions. Additionally, because both male and female kokako must learn and perform population-appropriate vocalisations, there is the opportunity to investigate whether the kind, degree or speed of dialect change differs between the sexes. Answering these questions may in turn elucidate whether the function of territorial song differs between sexes, and help us to understand why duetting, rather than solo singing, is the predominant singing strategy in this species.
These two PhD fellowships are funded by the Royal Society of New Zealand’s Marsden fund, and will be based at the University of Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand. The successful applicant will work under the supervision of Prof. Joe Waas (University of Waikato) and Dr. Laura Molles (Lincoln University). Students will also work closely with New Zealand’s Department of Conservation, which oversees management of all remaining kokako populations. Applicants should have a strong background in animal behaviour and preferably previous experience with sound recording and analysis. Because the project will require extensive fieldwork, often in remote areas, previous fieldwork experience and competence in backcountry navigation and safety is essential. The research will involve the design, implementation and interpretation of song playback experiments as well as extensive sound analysis.
More information about kokako song:
LE Molles, JD Hudson & JR Waas (2006) The mechanics of duetting in a New Zealand endemic, the kokako (Callaeas cinerea wilsoni): song at a snail’s pace.
Ethology 112: 424-436.
LE Molles & JR Waas (2006) Are two heads better than one Responses of the duetting kokako to one- and two-speaker playback. Animal Behaviour 72: 131-138.
Duration: 3 years
Start date: 1 June 2008
Stipend: NZ$22,000 per annum plus tuition fees*. Funding for the majority of fieldwork and equipment costs is also provided.
PhD positions are open to applicants from New Zealand and from overseas countries.
Please apply using application below.
Applications close on Friday 15 February 2008.
- fees will be covered at the domestic student rate. This rate now applies to both domestic students and international students from most countries.