Reliability of the Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler’s soft song in male-male conflict

摘要: Soft song is a low-amplitude produced by many birds. Recent studies have confirmed that soft an aggressive signal. For example, the Brownish-flanked Bush Warblers Cettia fortipes use in male-male conflicts, particularly prior to attacks. Although stable signaling systems require signals be honest on average, models predict cheating acceptable strategy for some individuals or contexts. This study aimed test reliability of as signal brownish-flanked bush warbler. We used mounted specimens accompanied broadcast songs simulate male attempting invade existing territory. found specimen coupled playback suffered more and quicker attacks from territory owner relationship between subsequent attack was far perfect. observed owners both over-signaled (i.e., but did not attack) under-signaled attacked without producing song). Under-signaling were relatively commonly than over-signaling owners, simulated intrusion with mount specimen. discuss cost potential benefit unreliable propose new hypothesis under-signaling song; i.e., might taking initiative fights.