Context‐sensitive dance–vocal displays affect song patterns and partner responses in a socially monogamous songbird

Multimodal signaling contributes to efficient communication by improving signal efficacy and increasing information. Songbirds often combine dance displays with songs according the socio-sexual context; therefore, song is assumed function differently depending on displays. In this study, we tested how affect patterns responses of paired partners using male female blue-capped cordon-bleus (Uraeginthus cyanocephalus). Blue-capped are a socially monogamous estrildid finch, both males females perform distinct “tap dance”-like Songs were longer more stereotyped than without in females. Furthermore, showed gestural those performed under isolated conditions, whereas only when focal bird was housed partner. These results suggest that had different functions social contexts. The multimodal display seems draw attention physical abilities performer.