Function of song in the Hoopoe Upupa epops

Abstract

Male Hoopoes Upupa epops, (Coraciformes) have a very simple song, with a repertoire size of one. The number of elements per strophe (strophe length) is the only difference between strophes of the same male, and the main difference between males. The function of this song was analysed in a colour-ringed population of Hoopoes in Granada, southern Spain, by monitoring the pattern of male song activity and response to an experimental song throughout the breeding season. Both spontaneous songs and responses to playback experiments decreased after the onset of egg-laying, and song production was not associated with feeding sites or nest holes. Moreover, some of the breeding males that had lost their females resumed singing. Males also used song to recover lost contacts with their mates. These findings suggest that the principal function of song in the Hoopoe is intersexual, for attracting females, and that, in an intrasexual context, its use is restricted to defence of mates. The dual function of Hoopoe song suggests that it provides information both for males and females, probably about male quality.