Context-sensitive dance–vocal displays affect song patterns and partner responses in a socially monogamous songbird

Abstract

Multimodal signaling contributes to efficient communication by improving signal efficacy and increasing signal information. Songbirds often combine dance displays with songs according to the socio-sexual context; therefore, the song is assumed to function differently depending on dance displays. In this study, we tested how dance displays affect song patterns and the responses of paired partners using male and female blue-capped cordon-bleus (Uraeginthus cyanocephalus). Blue-capped cordon-bleus are a socially monogamous estrildid finch, and both males and females perform songs and distinct “tap dance”-like displays. Songs with dance displays were longer and more stereotyped than songs without dance displays in both males and females. Furthermore, both male and female paired partners showed more gestural responses to songs with dance displays than those without dance displays. Songs without dance displays were performed under both isolated and paired conditions, whereas songs with dance displays were only performed when the focal bird was housed with a paired partner. These results suggest that songs had different functions depending on dance displays and social contexts. The multimodal display of blue-capped cordon-bleus seems to draw the attention of paired partners to the physical abilities of the performer.