Singing performance patterns during the breeding season in a south temperate population of Sedge Wrens (Cistothorus platensis platensis)

PAULA S. GARRIDO; N. C. GARCÍA; D. RENDALL; P. E. LLAMBIAS

Puerto Iguazu

Congreso; Ornithological Congress of the Americas; 2017

Aves Argentinas en conjunto con la Association of Field Ornithologists (AFO) y Sociedade Brasileira de Ornitología (SBO).

The relationship between seasonal song performance, breeding activity and social context can provide valuable information on the function of bird song. The dual function theory suggests that male song functions both to attract mates and to repel rivals, and the effects of these two functions may be manifested in different aspects of singing behavior. We compared song performance during the breeding cycle in a population of Sedge Wren (Cistothorus platensis platensis) in Argentina. During 2016 we recorded 25 males and compared singing performance between different breeding stages (nest building, egg laying, incubation and nestlings) and mating status (bachelor vs. mated males building a nest). We calculated total versatility (song type x transition versatility), mean song length (seg) and song rate (songs/25min); and used Linear and Generalized Linear Models to assess differences by breeding stage and mating status. Versatility and song length did not differ significantly between breeding stages nor between bachelor and mated males. Song rate also did not differ between breeding stages; however, bachelor males sang at significantly higher rates than mated males. Our results suggest that males sing differently during interactions with males versus females: versatility and song length, which did not differ by breeding stage or mating status, may therefore be important in territory maintenance; while song rate, which varied between bachelor and mate males, may thus be important in mate attraction. Future research should include experimental tests to further evaluate the role of social context in song performance.