In-air hearing of the great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)

Alyssa Maxwell, Kirstin Anderson Hansen, Sara Torres Ortiz, Ole Næsbye Larsen, Ursula Siebert, Magnus Wahlberg

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

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Abstract

Many aquatic birds use sounds extensively for in-air communication. Regardless of this, we know very little about their hearing abilities. The in-air audiogram of a male adult great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) was determined using psychophysical methods (method of constants). Hearing thresholds were derived using pure tones of five different frequencies. The lowest threshold was at 2 kHz: 18 dB re 20 µPa rms. Thresholds derived using signal detection theory were within 2 dB of the ones derived using classical psychophysics. The great cormorant is more sensitive to in-air sounds than previously believed and its hearing abilities are comparable to several other species of birds of similar size. This knowledge is important for our understanding of the hearing abilities of other species of sea birds. It can also be used to develop cormorant deterrent devices for fisheries, as well as to assess the impact of increasing in-air anthropogenic noise levels on cormorants and other aquatic birds.

Translated title of the contributionMellemskarvens (Phalacrocorax carbo) hørelse i luft
Original languageEnglish
JournalBiology Open
Volume6
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)496-502
ISSN2046-6390
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15. Apr 2017

Keywords

  • Journal Article
  • Signal detection theory
  • Hearing
  • Unbiased hearing sensitivity
  • Aquatic birds
  • Psychophysics

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