Food Signals

Abstract

Food-associated calls are found in species from birds through primates. Questions have been raised about whether such calls provide honest information about food presence and quality or are simply expressions of elation or the ability to share food resources. Food call production is often sensitive to the presence of an audience, and individuals may be punished for failing to call when discovered. Both the structure and usage of food signals vary over development. Adults in some species use food calls to attract attention of their young to food resources; adults also change the rate and context of food calling as young develop increasing skill and competence in foraging behavior.