Female song and vocal interactions with males in a neotropical wren

摘要: Bird song is thought to function primarily in same-sex competition, mate attraction, and reproductive stimulation of a partner. However, these conclusions are based largely on studies the male birds north-temperate species. We investigate female Neotropical wren, Thryophilus pleurostictus, using observations experiments test song. Female banded wrens sang much less often than males, their songs were shorter, repertoire types was smaller. Females did not seem sing for competition resources or mates: rate increase response simulated intrusion, females one-third playbacks simulating territorial intrusion by either unpaired paired females. Territorial defense important both survival reproduction species that occupy all-purpose territories year-round, but involvement limited. more likely approach intruders when partner approached closely, closer during playback pair intruders, perhaps contributing jointly with appear use attract males mating: only 25% an nest-building period, they shortly before laying be fertile. seemed used communicating breeding partner: overlapped began within one second expected chance, vocal behavior changed low suggests this does select elaboration, consistent view main driver elaboration.