Neuromuscular and Endocrine Control of an Avian Courtship Behavior

Androgen and the elaborate courtship behavior of a tropical lekking bird

“…The courtship behavior of the golden-collared manakin has been described in detail previously (Chapman, 1935;Schlinger et al, 2001). We focused our observations on 3 independent behaviors that could be identified unambiguously.…”

“…Males of this species perform some of the most elaborate and spectacular courtship displays among birds (Chapman, 1935;Schlinger et al, 2001). During the long courtship season (January to July), males aggregate in leks within forests, clear a display arena on the ground between small vertical saplings and spend most of the day in and around the arena performing a variety of courtship and territorial displays that include production of mechanical sounds with their wings ("wingsnaps") (Chapman, 1935).…”

Testosterone and its effects on courtship in golden-collared manakins (Manacus vitellinus): Seasonal, sex, and age differences

“…Nevertheless, behavioral recording began after a 15-min acclimation period. We recorded the number of times the following previously described behaviors were performed (Chapman, 1935;Day et al, 2006;Schlinger et al, 2001): (^jump-snap displays, hopping from one vertical twig to another across a cleared display arena while wingsnapping in mid-flight; (2) wingsnaps, snaps of the wings produced during the jump-snap display; (3) rollsnaps, a series of quick loud snaps; and (4) the number of cheepoos calls, a distinct call usually produced after rollsnaps.…”

“…Because such studies stand to provide general insight into the neuroendocrinology of behavior in tropical animals, we have examined the role of hormones in activating the acrobatic courtship display of golden-collared manakins {Manacus vitellinus) of Panama. Golden-collared manakins collect in aggregates of 5-20 males (leks) and perform a highly acrobatic dance (Chapman, 1935;Schlinger et al, 2001) punctuated by loud "snapping" sounds apparently made with the wings. Males begin to establish courtship arenas in January (Fusani et al, in press) that they occupy until June or July.…”

Adaptations for rapid and forceful contraction in wing muscles of the male golden-collared manakin: sex and species comparisons

“…Like small whip-cracks, wingsnaps are produced by an abrupt upward¯ip of the wings overhead. They can be performed singly or rapidly in series (usually 10± 12) to create a rolling whir (Schlinger et al 2001). Although the exact anatomical source of the sound is unknown, most observers agree that specializations of the primary and secondary feathers and of the musculoskeletal system are fundamental to production of the sound (Chapman 1935;Lowe 1942;Snow 1962).…”