Function of song in Scott's seaside sparrow, Ammodramus maritimus peninsulae

摘要: Abstract The function of song in a Florida population Scott's seaside sparrows was experimentally investigated during the breeding seasons 1983–1984 by temporarily muting male birds field. Birds were muted rupturing interclavicular air sac. They remained songless for about 2 weeks but could give all their normal calls this time. Two rounds mutings administered, each preceded and followed time budget, playback other observations on three treatment groups: muted, shamoperated undisturbed birds. early round tested mate territory acquisition. These mateless until they regained voices; most attracted female after voice recovery. also acquired territories later than sham-operated mid-season retention, changes behaviour. All lost mates; few new mates when singing ability. Their either shrank or lost, established (or original re-expanded) intensity close-range aggressive behaviour significantly greater There no discernible differences between any attributes measured.