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Correlations between song complexity and potential estimates of male quality in common blackbirds [abstract]

Hesler, N , Mundry, R , Sacher, T , Coppack, T , Bairlein, F & Dabelsteen, T (2012). Correlations between song complexity and potential estimates of male quality in common blackbirds [abstract]. Bioacoustics, Volume 21 (1): 37

 

Abstract: 

Bird song is generally seen as product of both inter- and intrasexual selection with song complexity serving as a signal of male quality. Repertoire size, which is one aspect of song complexity, correlates in several oscine species with estimates of male quality. However, repertoire size as well as song structure vary considerably between species, and thus the function of these song characteristics can be different. So far, most studies on song complexity concern species with small repertoire sizes. Furthermore, there are other ways in which complexity can be expressed, e.g. how different song patterns are used (order, frequency, etc.). In species like the common blackbird (Turdus merula), which has a complex song structure without fixed song types, repertoire sizes can be analyzed on different levels. Previous studies found that on the level of ‘motives’, blackbirds show large individual differences in repertoire size and use these repertoires in both inter- and intrasexual contexts. In this study we investigate how repertoire size and use relate to body measures and age as potential estimates for male quality in blackbirds. We discuss the results in the context of honest signalling of male quality.

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