SOCIAL MALLEABILITY IN COWBIRDS (MOLOTHRUS-ATER-ARTEMISIAE) - SPECIES AND MATE RECOGNITION IN THE FIRST 2 YEARS OF LIFE

In a longitudinal study, the authors housed wild-caught juvenile male cowbirds (Molothrus ater artemisiae) with female cowbirds or canaries (Serinus canaria) from August until May. The males were then exposed to 3 social contexts. Males housed with canaries directed more vocalizations to canaries than to female cowbirds. Males housed with female cowbirds vocalized most to other males. The data revealed plasticity at a rudimentary level of reproductive behavior, selective responding to members of one's own species. Song potency, as assayed by playback, did not predict vocal use. To test adult malleability, the authors studied the males for a 2nd year. Half were housed with conspecific females and experienced males and half with only females. The manipulation eradicated any signs of the males' 1st-year experiences. The data suggest malleability in species and mate recognition in cowbirds.