Female vocalizations predict reproductive output in brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater).

ABSTRACT: Pair bonds are often maintained through the reciprocal and coordinated exchange of communicative signals. The ability to recognize and appropriately respond to a partner's signals will define a pair's ability to reproduce. Individual variation in responsiveness, by shaping the formation and maintenance of strong pair bonds, will ultimately influence an individual's reproductive output. Throughout the breeding period, female cowbirds (Molothrus ater) respond to male song displays using a vocalization known as the chatter. In this study, we investigated whether variation in chatters remained repeatable across years and predicted reproductive performance. A flock of cowbirds housed in a large aviary complex was observed during the spring of 2011 to 2012. We recorded courtship interactions, in

SUBMITTER: Kohn GM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6306164 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature