Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026

A Push-pull Protocol to Reduce Colonization of Bird Nest Boxes by Honey Bees
Published on: September 4, 2016
Behavior, natural history and neuroendocrinology of a tropical bird
Barney A Schlinger1, Lainy B Day, Leonida Fusani
1Department of Physiological Science, Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of the Brain Research Institute, University of California, 621 Charles Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1606, USA. schlinge@lifesci.ucla.edu
Abstract:
Male Golden-collared manakins (Manacus vitellinus) of Panama perform an acrobatic and noisy courtship display, the result of an intense process of sexual selection. These birds have a lek mating system with the reproductive success of males depending almost entirely on their courtship. We have studied this remarkable behavior and investigated seasonal cycles of testosterone secretion, hormonal activation of courtship and neuromuscular adaptations that underlie the performance of male courtship behavior. We describe these studies in the context of the natural history of this fascinating lowland tropical species. Our studies have shown that manakin courtship requires a series of morphological and physiological specializations and represents an exceptional model system for studying the hormonal control of elaborate courtship displays.
Related Concept Videos
Migration
Limits to Natural Selection
Conservation of Declining Populations
Mate Choice
Frequency-dependent Selection
What is Natural Selection?

