Regresar

Vocalization activity at leks of six manakin (Pipridae) species in Eastern Ecuador

Abstract:

Most manakins (Pipridae) are lek-breeding species in which males engage in courtship displays directed toward females. Yet, the structure of leks and the complexity of the displays vary widely across species. Differences in male clustering and display attributes are expected to influence inter-specific patterns of lek activity. Here, we investigate how lek structure and display complexity affect vocalization activity at leks of six manakin species that co-occur in eastern Ecuador (Chiroxiphia pareóla, Lepidothrix coronata, Machaeropterus regulus, Pipra erythrocephala, P. filicauda, and P. pipra). Our results showed that, first, daily patterns of lek activity within species were consistent spatially (among leks) and temporally (across the breeding season), allowing for meaningful inter-specific comparisons. Second, that both lek structure (male spacing) and display complexity were pbkp_redictors of vocal activity at leks but specific components of the vocalization output (e.g., output per male or per lek, temporal fluctuations in output levels) varied among species. This study adds to our understanding of how social structure and male-male social facilitation influence activity at leks. © The Neotropical Ornithological Society.