Multiple signaling functions of song in a polymorphic species with alternative reproductive strategies.

Vocal traits can be sexually selected to reflect male quality, but may also evolve to serve additional signaling functions. We used a long-term dataset to examine the signaling potential of song in dimorphic white-throated sparrows (). We investigated whether song conveys multifaceted information about the vocalizing individual, including fitness, species identity, individual identity, and morph.