Song characteristics and response to playback of male and female Robins Erithacus rubecula

Abstract

Male and female Robins, from a population occupying deciduous woodland habitat, were recorded during autumn, winter and spring. Song characteristics were compared between individuals with respect to sex and reproductive success. For the parameters measured, male song did not vary with reproductive success; however, male song was more complex and less redundant than female song. Furthermore, male song in response to playback was more complex in response to female than to male song. Both males and females could discriminate between male and female song. Males approached playback of male song more readily in the autumn than in the spring. The possible significance of these results is discussed.