Chapter 11.4 – Recognition of individuals within the social group: signature vocalizations

Abstract Signature vocalizations contain sufficiently unique spectral and/or temporal identity to allow conspecifics to differentiate between individuals. Experimental assessment of signature content relies on: (1) accurate discrimination of vocalizations according to individual callers using human observers and statistical methods; (2) playback experiments with conspecifics in captivity or in the wild. Signature vocalizations are often acquired through social and vocal learning. Functions for such signals include individual recognition (e.g., between parents and offspring, mating pairs, territorial rivals) and the mediation of social interactions. Signature cues are likely to be subtle, and their analysis is likely to benefit from the use of new data collection technologies and human speech recognition techniques.