Aviary Experience Has No Effect on Predisposition of Female Common Canaries (Serinus canaria) for Longer Sexy Phrases

Abstract

ABSTRACT. We tested female Common Canaries' (Serinus canaria) preferences for “sexy phrases” of different durations. Two groups were used: (1) females raised in acoustic isolation and (2) females raised in “normal” acoustic conditions. We presented sexy phrases to both groups and counted their copulation-solicitation displays to determine their preference for the length of these stimuli. Females of both groups gave more copulation-solicitation displays in response to the longest sexy phrases presented. Our results indicate that the duration of sexy phrases is an important acoustic cue for female Common Canaries, as is total song duration in many species; this preference can be explained by theories of sexual selection. Moreover, responses of both experienced and inexperienced females are similar, which indicates that experience does not influence the females' preference for long sexy phrases. These preferences could come from predispositions, as is the case for many acoustic parameters of sexy phrases.