Two novel vocalizations are used by veeries (Catharus fuscescens) during agonistic interactions.

ABSTRACT: Avian vocalizations are common examples of the complex signals used by animals to negotiate during agonistic interactions. In this study, we used two playback experiments to identify agonistic signals in a songbird species with several acoustically complex songs and calls, the veery. In the first experiment, we compared veery singing behavior in response to simulated territorial intrusions including playback of three variations of veery song: 1) song alone as a control, 2) songs with added whisper calls, and 3) songs with introductory notes removed. In the second experiment, we used multimodal stimuli including songs, whisper calls and songs with introductory notes removed, along with a robotic veery mount. Focal males readily responded to all of the playback stimuli, approached the speake

SUBMITTER: Belinsky KL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4370839 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature