TY - JOUR

T1 - Implications of conspecific background noise for features of blue tit, Cyanistes caeruleus , communication networks at dawn

AU - Poesel, Angelika

AU - Dabelsteen, Torben

AU - Pedersen, Simon Boel

N1 - Keywords Communication network - Cyanistes caeruleus - Singing interaction

PY - 2007

Y1 - 2007

N2 - Abstract  Communication among animals often comprises several signallers and receivers within the signal's transmission range. In such communication networks, individuals can extract information about differences in relative performance of conspecifics by eavesdropping on their signalling interactions. In songbirds, information can be encoded in the timing of signals, which either alternate or overlap, and both male and female receivers may utilise this information when engaging in territorial interactions or making reproductive decisions, respectively. We investigated how conspecific background noise at dawn may overlay and possibly constrain the perception of such singing patterns. We simulated a small communication network of blue tits, Cyanistes caeruleus, at dawn in spring. Two loudspeakers simulated a singing interaction which was recorded from four different receiver positions simulating potential eavesdroppers. During the recordings, resident blue tit males were vocalising and created natural conspecific background noise. Levels of conspecific background noise were high and varied among positions of potential eavesdroppers. We conclude that conspecific background vocalisations may potentially constrain the perception of singing patterns and may constitute costs for eavesdroppers. On the other hand, signallers may position themselves strategically and privatise their interactions.

AB - Abstract  Communication among animals often comprises several signallers and receivers within the signal's transmission range. In such communication networks, individuals can extract information about differences in relative performance of conspecifics by eavesdropping on their signalling interactions. In songbirds, information can be encoded in the timing of signals, which either alternate or overlap, and both male and female receivers may utilise this information when engaging in territorial interactions or making reproductive decisions, respectively. We investigated how conspecific background noise at dawn may overlay and possibly constrain the perception of such singing patterns. We simulated a small communication network of blue tits, Cyanistes caeruleus, at dawn in spring. Two loudspeakers simulated a singing interaction which was recorded from four different receiver positions simulating potential eavesdroppers. During the recordings, resident blue tit males were vocalising and created natural conspecific background noise. Levels of conspecific background noise were high and varied among positions of potential eavesdroppers. We conclude that conspecific background vocalisations may potentially constrain the perception of singing patterns and may constitute costs for eavesdroppers. On the other hand, signallers may position themselves strategically and privatise their interactions.

U2 - 10.1007/s10336-006-0116-y

DO - 10.1007/s10336-006-0116-y

M3 - Journal article

VL - 148

SP - 123

EP - 128

JO - Journal fur Ornithologie

JF - Journal fur Ornithologie

SN - 0021-8375

IS - 1

ER -