2004/06/25 by Peter J. B. Slater, Nigel I. Mann · 1 citation
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Environmental Science · Agricultural and Biological Sciences · #Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior #Avian ecology and behavior #Animal Behavior and Reproduction
paper · doi:10.1111/j.0908-8857.2004.03392.x
openalex publication_date 2004/06/25 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23
In the tropics female birds sing much more frequently than in the temperate north, and sometimes even join their mates to form duets. Why might this be? We discuss how this phenomenon may relate to differences in life history that have been proposed between these regions, highlight likely hypotheses and point to areas of ignorance where studies are needed. The two reasons that appear at present most likely to explain the greater prevalence of female song in the tropics are: (1) the need for mutual stimulation to achieve breeding synchrony in a relatively aseasonal environment and, (2) sex role convergence arising from more long‐term relationships and greater fidelity than is usual among north temperate species.