THE CONTEXT AND FUNCTION OF DUET AND SOLO SONGS IN THE RED-SHOULDERED BLACKBIRD

摘要

We examined the social and behavioral context of male and female duet and solo songs in Red-shouldered Blackbirds (Agelaius assimilis), formerly known as the Cuban race of the Red-winged Blackbird (A. phoeniceus). Songs were most common during inter-sexual interactions before birds were on breeding territories. In contrast to Red-winged Blackbirds, Red-shouldered Blackbirds sang relatively little and aggressive interactions were rare when they were on breeding territories. Our results suggest that duet and solo songs are important in pair bond formation and maintaining contact between mates.