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“Conventional” Signals in Avian Agonistic Displays: Integrating Theory, Data and Different Levels of Analysis by John M. Deag; Graham W. Scott is a Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology article available to read on EtoBox.

What is “Conventional” Signals in Avian Agonistic Displays: Integrating Theory, Data and Different Levels of Analysis about?

We present an integration of communication theory and data, drawing on examples from titmice (Aves: Paridae). We suggest how display actions such as lifting the head, raising the nape feathers, crest erecting and spreading the wings, act in agonistic communication when physical contact between opponents is rare. We propose that such displays largely act as strategic choice handicap signals. By giving these displays the signaller is believed to incur costs which underwrite the reliability of the signals; it may strategically increase these costs (for example by display repetition or adding additional elements) to signal its condition, motivation and hence the subjective value of a resource. It is shown that linking these ideas with earlier theories on the causation of display components, leads to an explanation of why birds have a greater repertoire of signals associated with aggression/winning, than with submission/losing. It is suggested that modellers of communication systems and those interested in the theory of signal design should pay more attention to the evolutionary constraints imposed by signal origin.

Who reads “Conventional” Signals in Avian Agonistic Displays: Integrating Theory, Data and Different Levels of Analysis?

Author

John M. Deag; Graham W. Scott

Publisher

Elsevier Science; Elsevier ; Elsevier Inc.; Elsevier BV (ISSN 0022-5193)

Published

1999

Language

EN

Field

Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (Life Sciences)