Performative manipulation of the environment by displaying Albert's lyrebirds

Fiona Backhouse, Justin A. Welbergen, Bryce W. Robinson, Anastasia H. Dalziell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Where dramatic sexual displays are involved in attracting a mate, individuals can enhance their performances by manipulating their physical environment. Typically, individuals alter their environment either in preparation for a performance by creating a 'stage', or during the display itself by using discrete objects as 'props'. We examined an unusual case of performative manipulation of an entire 'stage' by male Albert's lyrebirds (Menura alberti) during their complex song and dance displays. We found that males from throughout the species' range shake the entangled forest vegetation of their display platforms, creating a highly conspicuous and stereotypical movement external to their bodies. This 'stage shaking' is performed in two different rhythms, with the second rhythm an isochronous beat that matches the beat of the coinciding vocalizations. Our results provide evidence that stage shaking is an integral, and thus likely functional, component of male Albert's lyrebird sexual displays, and so highlight an intriguing but poorly understood facet of complex communication.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)181-190
Number of pages10
JournalThe American Naturalist
Volume204
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2024

Bibliographical note

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Keywords

  • dance
  • extended phenotype
  • music
  • sexual selection
  • theatrical prop
  • vocal mimicry

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