Lauryn Benedict

Research Title

Vocal communication and social behavior of the California towhee

Research Keywords

Social Behavior, Birds, Communication, Duetting

Location

Hastings Natural History Reservation, Carmel Valley CA (Map)

Study Species

California towhee (Pipilo crissalis)

My dissertation research focused on understanding the adaptive functions of California Towhee vocal communication signals. California Towhees are sedentary and monogamous for life, creating interactions among individuals that persist over several years. In such a context, most communication occurs with known individuals, and there are expected benefits to stereotyped communication. California Towhees provide an excellent model system because they have a very simple vocal repertoire, allowing ready quantification and description of vocal traits within a stable social context.

- How do California towhee mating system and spatial dynamics shape communication needs and patterns?

- Do parents recognize offspring fear vocalizations? What recognition cues are important?

- What is the frequency of vocal duetting in North American species, and do these species share common traits?

- What is the function of pair duets among California Towhees? If duets are multi-functional signals, how do they operate in different contexts?

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