Trilled song types are more salient than non-trilled song types in agonistic interactions between male song sparrows (Melospiza Melodia)
- WCU Author/Contributor (non-WCU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Cameron Bryant Duke (Creator)
- Institution
- Western Carolina University (WCU )
- Web Site: http://library.wcu.edu/
- Advisor
- Barbara Ballentine
Abstract: Most research on song complexity has mainly focused on repertoire size. However, the way various song structures within a repertoire function in male-male interactions is less well understood. In this study, I have explored the functional significance of songs containing a trilled syllable type shown to have a clear maximum physiological performance barrier versus songs that lack a trilled element. I performed playback experiments with 44 song sparrows on the campus of Western Carolina University in North Carolina. I found that males responded significantly more strongly to trilled than non-trilled songs, suggesting that song sparrows discriminate between song types within a repertoire. The results of this study suggest that male-male interactions may be important drivers for the evolution of complex repertoires in song sparrows. Future studies should focus on understanding how trilled and non-trilled songs function in male-male interactions.
Trilled song types are more salient than non-trilled song types in agonistic interactions between male song sparrows (Melospiza Melodia)
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Created on 4/1/2017
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Thesis
- Language: English
- Date: 2017
- Keywords
- Agonistic, Repertoire, Song, Sparrow, Trill
- Subjects
- Song sparrow -- Vocalization -- North Carolina -- Cullowhee
- Song sparrow -- Behavior -- North Carolina -- Cullowhee
- Birdsongs -- North Carolina -- Cullowhee
- Social behavior in animals -- North Carolina -- Cullowhee