JOURNAL ARTICLE

Birds may share universal warning call.

  • Published In: New Scientist, 2025, v. 268, n. 3564. P. 11 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Simms, Chris 3 of 3

Abstract

The article discusses the discovery that over 20 bird species from various continents utilize a similar "whining" alarm call to warn each other about the presence of brood parasites, such as cuckoos. Researchers found that these calls, which have been observed in species like superb fairy-wrens and tawny-flanked prinias, facilitate cross-species communication and may provide insights into the origins of language. The study suggests that these vocalizations have been adapted from innate distress calls to address the specific threat posed by brood parasites, indicating a potential evolutionary step towards more complex forms of communication akin to human language. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:New Scientist. 2025/10, Vol. 268, Issue 3564, p11
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Zoology
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0262-4079
  • Accession Number:188531649
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