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
SN - 0021-8375
VL - 148
SP - 123
EP - 128
JO - Journal of Ornithology = Journal fur Ornithologie
JF - Journal of Ornithology = Journal fur Ornithologie
IS - 1
ER -