Status signalling in male but not in female Eurasian Tree Sparrows Passer montanus

• DOI: 10.1111/ibi.12425
• Publication Date: 2016-10-14T14:43:03Z
• Authors: Ferenc Mónus; András Liker; Zsolt Pénzes; Zoltán Barta
• Keywords: Passer; Plumage; Throat; Flock; Ornaments; Trait

Male ornaments, such as plumage coloration, frequently serve signals. The signalling function of similar ornaments in females has, however, received much less attention despite the fact that conspicuousness their is often comparable to those males. In this study we tested a trait present both sexes Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus . black throat patch has been repeatedly found have signal closely related House domesticus , where only males bear ornamental trait. However, species sexually monomorphic ornament expression never, our knowledge, considered. We investigated outcomes aggressive encounters foraging flocks free‐living Sparrows, and assessed whether size measurements body predicted fighting success these flocks. male against female opponents. did not correlate with either sex. Among morphological traits studied, wing length was best predictor females. Our findings suggest status but females, although further experimental studies are necessary corroborate correlative results.