Does Male Badge Size Signal Status in Small Island Populations of House Sparrows, Passer domesticus?

摘要: The relationship between dominance and throat badge size, body condition was examined in three small island populations of house sparrows, Passer domesticus, on the coast northern Norway- Individual rank males determined by observation agonistic interactions an artificial cage (one replicate Dec. one Mar. two third population). Previous studies had indicated that size signals status sparrows. In this study, because population sizes stability their membership, we expected prior information about fighting ability would reduce importance for outcome conflicts favour traits most directly associated with ability. five replicates, significant relationships were found components rank, but opposite directions. consistently positive, non-significant. a pooled sample independent best predictor dominance, no other variable explained any variance dominance. However, coefficient determination low linearity hierarchies poor. We therefore suggest individual recognition may influence relationships.