You are here
Home ยป Recognition of Neighbors by Associative Learning in Rufous-Sided Towhees
Recognition of Neighbors by Associative Learning in Rufous-Sided Towhees
| Publication Type: | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication: | 1979 |
| Authors: | Richards, DG |
| Journal: | The Auk |
| Volume: | 96 |
| Issue: | 4 |
| Date Published: | 1979 |
| ISBN Number: | 00048038 |
| Keywords: | Emberizidae, Pipilo, Pipilo erythrophthalmus, Thryothorus, Thryothorus ludovicianus, Troglodytes, Troglodytes troglodytes, Troglodytidae |
| Abstract: | Previous demonstrations of neighbor vs. non-neighbor discrimination in territorial male passerines have not permitted separation of habituation from associative learning as the basis of the response differences. A few male Rufous-sided Towhees (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) sing unusual songs resembling those of Carolina Wrens (Thryothorus ludovicianus), yet are able to defend territories. Tape recordings of the unusual songs were played back to the neighbors of an imitator and to non-neighboring birds. The neighbors responded strongly and the non-neighbors responded very weakly. This stronger response by neighbors to an unusual song demonstrates the importance of associative learning in individual recognition. |
| URL: | http://www.jstor.org/stable/4085655 |
| Short Title: | The Auk |
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical):
Ed Baker,
Katherine Bouton
Alice Heaton
Dimitris Koureas,
Laurence Livermore,
Dave Roberts,
Simon Rycroft,
Ben Scott,
Vince Smith