© Stefan Greif/MPIO

Functions of Bird Song

The functions of bird song are closely linked to sexual selection. We are exploring this issue by investigating the role of song for intraspecific competition on the one hand and reproduction on the other. Moreover, we aim at gaining a fuller understanding of potential song functions by exploring what information is encoded in bird songs and by determining the targeted receivers of singing birds. To this end, we combine observational studies with experiments, both in the lab and the field.

Go to Editor View