Neuromuscular and Endocrine Control of an Avian Courtship Behavior

Abstract

In many species of birds, males perform complex visual and acoustic courtship displays to attract and stimulate females. Some of these displays involve considerable use of the wings and legs, suggesting that they may be controlled by sexually dimorphic spinal motoneurons and their target muscles. Sex steroid hormones are known to organize and activate many sexually dimorphic phenotypes, so these neuromuscular systems may also be steroid sensitive. To test these ideas, we have begun studies of wild golden-collared manakins (Manacus vitellinus) in Central America. Males of this species establish a courtship arena in the forest, where they perform an elaborate dance that includes use of their wings to generate loud snapping sounds. Here we describe male golden-collared manakin courtship behavior, including the various “wingsnaps.” We also review our studies, and those of others, showing sexually dimorphic properties of manakin wings, the wing musculature, and sex steroid accumulation in the spinal cord. These data suggest that manakins are useful models for evaluating steroid control of complex peripheral neuromuscular systems.