ISSN:
1432-0762
Keywords:
Key words Song
;
Dark-eyed junco
;
Junco hyemalis
;
Fertility
;
Reproductive behavior
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Frequency of singing by birds may vary with reproductive stage in ways that reflect variation in the functions of song in intersexual and intrasexual communication. In dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis) high-amplitude song is produced only by males. To investigate the function of this song, we tested whether fertility of females affected singing by their mates or by neighboring males. Using focal observations, song censuses, and radiotracking data, we determined whether song production varied between and among periods when females were fertile and non-fertile. Our findings show that males do not increase song production when their mates are fertile, nor do they increase song production when neighboring females are fertile. These results suggest that male juncos do not signal their intent to defend territories (or mates) more when females are fertile and that they do not use song to advertise to specific potential participants in extra-pair fertilizations.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s002650050375
