Two distinct parts within the song of Phoenicurus auroreus, and individual identification on the basis of the song

Bird song has two key functions: attraction and competition. The structures of these songs have been shaped by both intra- and intersexual selection. Accordingly, there are ome species that appear to use different parts of song to attract females and repel males. Alongside this functional separation, the structure of song can also have significant divergence. We studied the songs from 32 individuals of Phoenicurus auroreus, recorded in Beijing Xiaolongmen forest Park during the 2011 breeding season. The song of Phoenicurus auroreus consists of two distinct parts, a stereotyped and variable part. Significant differences between these two parts were observed between all the variables we measured. Based on the stereotyped part, the rate of correct individual identification is satisfactory, and most of songs can be correctly classified.