Local song elements indicate local genotypes and predict physiological condition in song sparrows Melospiza melodia.

Abstract excerpt

Geographical variation in birdsong is taxonomically widespread and behaviourally salient, with females often preferring local over non-local song. However, the benefits associated with this preference remain poorly understood. One potential explanation is that song may reflect a male's place of origin and thus allow females to obtain genes well adapted to the local environment. We studied naturally occurring...

Topics

• Adaptation, Biological
• Animals
• Body Constitution
• Body Weights and Measures
• Genitalia, Male
• Genotype
• Male
• Microsatellite Repeats
• Models, Biological
• Principal Component Analysis
• Sparrows