caa a22 4500 463174925 CHVBK 20180406164823.0 cr unu---uuuuu 170326e20070101xx s 000 0 eng 10.1007/s10336-006-0116-y doi (NATIONALLICENCE)springer-10.1007/s10336-006-0116-y Implications of conspecific background noise for features of blue tit, Cyanistes caeruleus , communication networks at dawn [Elektronische Daten] [Angelika Poesel, Torben Dabelsteen, Simon Pedersen] Communication among animals often comprises several signallers and receivers within the signal's transmission range. In such communication networks, individuals can extract information about differences in relative performance of conspecifics by eavesdropping on their signalling interactions. In songbirds, information can be encoded in the timing of signals, which either alternate or overlap, and both male and female receivers may utilise this information when engaging in territorial interactions or making reproductive decisions, respectively. We investigated how conspecific background noise at dawn may overlay and possibly constrain the perception of such singing patterns. We simulated a small communication network of blue tits, Cyanistes caeruleus, at dawn in spring. Two loudspeakers simulated a singing interaction which was recorded from four different receiver positions simulating potential eavesdroppers. During the recordings, resident blue tit males were vocalising and created natural conspecific background noise. Levels of conspecific background noise were high and varied among positions of potential eavesdroppers. We conclude that conspecific background vocalisations may potentially constrain the perception of singing patterns and may constitute costs for eavesdroppers. On the other hand, signallers may position themselves strategically and privatise their interactions. Dt. Ornithologen-Gesellschaft e.V., 2006 Communication network nationallicence Cyanistes caeruleus nationallicence Singing interaction nationallicence Poesel Angelika Animal Behaviour Group, Biological Institute, University of Copenhagen, Tagensvej 16, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark aut Dabelsteen Torben Animal Behaviour Group, Biological Institute, University of Copenhagen, Tagensvej 16, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark aut Pedersen Simon Animal Behaviour Group, Biological Institute, University of Copenhagen, Tagensvej 16, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark aut Journal of Ornithology Springer-Verlag 148/1(2007-01-01), 123-128 0021-8375 148:1<123 2007 148 10336 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10336-006-0116-y text/html Onlinezugriff via DOI 1 research-article jats NATIONALLICENCE 856 40 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10336-006-0116-y text/html Onlinezugriff via DOI NATIONALLICENCE 700 1- Poesel Angelika Animal Behaviour Group, Biological Institute, University of Copenhagen, Tagensvej 16, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark aut NATIONALLICENCE 700 1- Dabelsteen Torben Animal Behaviour Group, Biological Institute, University of Copenhagen, Tagensvej 16, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark aut NATIONALLICENCE 700 1- Pedersen Simon Animal Behaviour Group, Biological Institute, University of Copenhagen, Tagensvej 16, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark aut NATIONALLICENCE 773 0- Journal of Ornithology Springer-Verlag 148/1(2007-01-01), 123-128 0021-8375 148:1<123 2007 148 10336 Metadata rights reserved Springer special CC-BY-NC licence nationallicence BK010053 XK010053 XK010000 NATIONALLICENCE NATIONALLICENCE NL-springer