Effects of Food Supplementation, Song Playback, and Temperature on Vocal Territorial Behavior of Carolina Wrens

Abstract

Abstract We found both the song rate and the rate of song-type change of male Carolina Wrens (Thryothorus ludovicianus) in winter were positively correlated with ambient temperature. When the effect of temperature was controlled statistically, food supplementation significantly increased both the song rate and the rate of song-type change. Song playback did not significantly increase either song rate or rate of song-type change, however. Because foraging and singing are mutually exclusive behaviors in Carolina Wrens, the increase in vocal territorial behavior associated with warmer temperatures and food supplementation may reflect a decrease in the time required for foraging. The rate of vocal territorial behavior in winter may be more dependent on the amount of food available to wrens than on the presence of intruders.