Neuroendocrine patterns underlying seasonal song and year-round territoriality in male black redstarts.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The connection between testosterone and territoriality in free-living songbirds has been well studied in a reproductive context, but less so outside the breeding season. To assess the effects of seasonal androgenic action on territorial behavior, we analyzed vocal and non-vocal territorial behavior in response to simulated territorial intrusions (STIs) during three life-cycle stages in free-living male black redstarts: breeding, molt and nonbreeding. Concurrently, we measured changes in circulating testosterone levels, as well as the mRNA expression of androgen and estrogen receptors and aromatase in the preoptic, hypothalamic and song control brain areas that are associated with social and vocal behaviors.

Results

Territorial behavior and estrogen receptor expres

SUBMITTER: Villavicencio CP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7905601 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature