Zebra finches are an important model for vocal learning and avian mate choice. The two are
contingent on each other: males' learned songs are addressed at females with learned …

To what extent do individuals assess the cognitive abilities of the opposite sex when
choosing a mate? With the exception of song learning in birds, the hypothesis that cognitive …

When animals live in cities, they have to adjust their behaviour and life histories to novel
environments. Noise pollution puts a severe constraint on vocal communication by …

Developmental stressors are increasingly recognised for their pervasive influence on the
ecology and evolution of animals. In particular, many studies have focused on how …

Highlights•Light at night affects acoustic signalling, typically by changing visibility.•Natural
and artificial light at night can affect acoustic signalling differently.•Lack of taxon diversity of …

Our understanding of fundamental organismal biology has been disproportionately
influenced by studies of a relatively small number of 'model'species extensively studied in …

Multimodal signalling can improve or maximize information exchange. A challenge is to
show that two independent signals, such as vocalizations and visual displays, are …

The impact of human activity on the acoustic environment is overwhelming, with
anthropogenic noise reaching even remote areas of the planet. The World Health …

Highlights•Birdsong is a conspicuous display used to attract mates and defend
territories.•Song amplitude is often overlooked but plays a critical role in …

Food availability is a major evolutionary force that has direct effects on an individual's body
condition. Since sexually selected traits are often condition-dependent, they are likely to …