Testosterone stimulates the expression of male-typical socio-sexual and song behaviors in female budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus): An experimental study

摘要: The hormonal control of sex differences in behavior has been extensively studied, particularly mammals and birds. Studies have shown that the activational potential androgenic steroid testosterone (T) on male-typical behaviors females seems to be species- as well behavior-specific It is therefore important study effects T a great variety bird species wide range behaviors, preferably social conditions favor their expression. Here, we investigated vocal, socio-sexual (i.e. affiliative non-vocal courtship behaviors), aggressive approach budgerigar, Melopsittacus undulatus, highly monogamous parrot species. We experimentally supplemented T-females with male-like plasma levels compared controls. First, observed when they were individually housed. found performed warbling song, sang significantly longer, but not more song bouts produced than Then, consecutively confronted female, dummy, male conspecific. showed shorter latency interact all three contexts. In both intrasexual intersexual contexts, higher behavior, including “mounting (attempts)”, strictly which was females. Aggression non-reproductive context did appear sensitive supplementation. Our data indicate budgerigar even marked may depend T, while this generally case other