Signature characteristics in contact calls of the white-nosed coati

"Chirp" calls of adult white-nosed coatis (Nasua narica) were measured and compared to determine form and function of these frequently emitted vocaliz ations. Behavioral contexts during vocalizations were documented, and chirp calls were tape recorded and analyzed using a digital spectrograph. Also, a bat detector was used to determine whether ultrasonic frequencies were em itted in chirps. Duration of the chirp calls was 0.146-0.202 s. Spectrogram analyses revealed that the lowest frequencies of the chirps averaged 4.66- 11.83 kHz and that the highest frequencies averaged 1417.66 kHz. Ultrasonic frequencies (30-55 kHz) also were detected in chirp calls. Chirps differed among individuals regarding the differential frequency between the Ist and 2nd resonance bars (P less than or equal to 0.01). Chirps seem to function as contact calls for this social mammal because they were emitted only whi le coatis were moving. The short duration and high frequency of the calls m ay allow for contact with nearby group members while minimizing auditory de tection by predators. Unique features of each coati's chirp also may allow individual recognition.