Plumage Mimicry and Drumming Patterns in Woodpeckers: Unraveling the Complexity of Visual and Acoustic Signals in Species Recognition

Abstract

Woodpeckers are known for their distinctive drumming behaviours and diverse plumage patterns, which play crucial roles in communication and species identification. While previous research has highlighted the importance of ecological and geographical factors in driving plumage mimicry among sympatric woodpecker species, the relationship between plumage similarity and drumming behaviour remains underexplored. Specifically, it is unclear whether woodpeckers that exhibit plumage mimicry also share similar drumming rhythms or if they diverge in their drumming patterns to maintain species boundaries. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap by investigating the drumming behaviors of five woodpecker species: Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens), Hairy Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus), Smoky-brown Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus fumigatus), Checkered Woodpecker (Veniliornis mixtus), and Golden-collared Woodpecker (Veniliornis cassini). Drumming sound recordings were collected from the Xeno-canto website, and key drumming parameters—drum duration, beat number, speed, and cadence—were analysed using Raven Lite 2 software. These findings indicate that while plumage convergence may occur to reduce interspecific competition, behavioural divergence in drumming ensures effective species identification. The study highlights the complex interplay between visual and auditory signals in woodpecker species, providing new insights into the ecological and evolutionary factors driving species coexistence and adaptation.