Dialects of the Chowchilla Orthonyx spaldingii in Upland Rainforest of North-eastern Australia

Abstract

Conspicuous variation in the vocalisation of the Chowchilla Orthonyx spaldingii is evident throughout a local area and, on broader investigation, throughout the range of the species. The existence of local area dialects is demonstrated, seven of which are described by sonagrams and the composition discussed. Also examined are current syntax variations within four of the dialects, and a sonagram of one of them from a recording made in 1980.