The function of song types and song components in Grasshopper Sparrows (Ammodramus savannarum)

摘要: Song in birds is traditionally associated with two major functions: mate attraction and territory establishment/defence. In some birds, these functions are divided between different types or categories of signals, while others the song repertoire functionally interchangeable. Grasshopper Sparrows, Ammodramus savannarum, sing distinct songs. Buzz prominent early each breeding cycle, warble typically more later only sung by paired males. To investigate we did population-level surveys, performed a playback experiment using buzz songs as stimuli. Males singing responded to playbacks both almost exclusively song. Responses combined (buzz-warble) were mixed, but males at levels greater than chance. Our results suggest that principal category used for traditional intra- inter-sexual The function class remains unclear. It may have predominantly such social cohesion, reproductive synchrony within pair, extra-pair attraction. second examined further testing components Results indicate other species, initial segment Sparrow act an alerting component enhances signal detection long distance communication.