Field-based hearing measurements of two seabird species

T Aran Mooney, Adam Smith, Ole Naesbye Larsen, Kirstin Anderson Hansen, Magnus Wahlberg, Marianne H Rasmussen

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

103 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Hearing is a primary sensory modality for birds. For seabirds, auditory data is challenging to obtain and hearing data are limited. Here, we present methods to measure seabird hearing in the field, using two Alcid species: the common murre Uria aalge and the Atlantic puffin Fratercula arctica Tests were conducted in a portable semi-anechoic crate using physiological auditory evoked potential (AEP) methods. The crate and AEP system were easily transportable to northern Iceland field sites, where wild birds were caught, sedated, studied and released. The resulting data demonstrate the feasibility of a field-based application of an established neurophysiology method, acquiring high quality avian hearing data in a relatively quiet setting. Similar field methods could be applied to other seabirds, and other bird species, resulting in reliable hearing data from a large number of individuals with a modest field effort. The results will provide insights into the sound sensitivity of species facing acoustic habitat degradation.

Original languageEnglish
Article numberjeb190710
JournalThe Journal of Experimental Biology
Volume222
Issue number4
Number of pages7
ISSN0022-0949
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 18. Feb 2019

Keywords

  • Auditory
  • Evoked potentials
  • Masking
  • Noise
  • Soundscape

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Field-based hearing measurements of two seabird species'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this