Negotiation of territorial boundaries in a songbird.

摘要: How do territorial neighbors resolve the location of their boundaries? We addressed this question by testing predictions 2 nonexclusive game theoretical models for competitive signaling: sequential assessment and bargaining game. Our study species, banded wren, is a neotropical nonmigratory songbird living in densely packed neighborhoods. The males possess repertoires approximately 25 song types that are largely shared between sequentially delivered with variable switching rates. Over 3 days, boundary disputes among pairs neighboring were synchronously recorded, perch positions marked, behavioral interactions noted. For each countersinging interaction focal males, we quantified approach retreat order, variety call patterns, closest distance, distance from center, female presence. Aggressors produced more rattle-buzz songs during approaching phase interactions, whereas defenders overlapped opponent's songs. During close interaction, both matched frequently, but key determinant which one retreated first was song-type diversity-first retreaters sang higher diversity. Retreaters also unshared retreating they more. A negative correlation diversity asymmetry contest duration suggested motivational asymmetry. use graded signal, varied center indicated male's motivation to defend particular position, supported model. could be viewed as series contests.