title: Two novel vocalizations are used by veeries (Catharus fuscescens) during agonistic interactions.
abstract: Avian vocalizations are common examples of the complex signals used by animals to negotiate during agonistic interactions. In this study, we used two playback experiments to identify agonistic signals in a songbird species with several acoustically complex songs and calls, the veery. In the first experiment, we compared veery singing behavior in response to simulated territorial intrusions including playback of three variations of veery song: 1) song alone as a control, 2) songs with added whisper calls, and 3) songs with introductory notes removed. In the second experiment, we used multimodal stimuli including songs, whisper calls and songs with introductory notes removed, along with a robotic veery mount. Focal males readily responded to all of the playback stimuli, approached the speaker and/or robotic mount, and vocalized. Male veeries gave more whisper calls, and sang more songs without the introductory note in response to all types of playback. However, veeries responded similarly to all types of stimuli presented, and they failed to physically attack the robotic mount. These results indicate that rival veeries use two different types of novel vocalizations: whisper calls and songs lacking the introductory note as agonistic signals, but do not allow us to discern the specific functions of these two vocalizations.
authors: Biology Department, State University of New York New Paltz, New Paltz, New York, United States of America.
authors: Kara L
authors: KL
authors: Belinsky
authors: Department of Biology, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, United States of America.
authors: Claire E
authors: CE
authors: Nemes
authors: Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas United States of America.
authors: Kenneth A
authors: KA
authors: Schmidt
mesh_terms: D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D000378:Agonistic Behavior; D000818:Animals; D008297:Male; D020308:Songbirds / Q000502:physiology*; D013016:Sound; D013731:Territoriality; D014828:Vocalization, Animal / Q000502:physiology*