Visual and acoustic communication in neotropical birds: Diversity and evolution of signals

Animal communication is a key feature of intra- and inter-specific interactions in nature. Vocalizations and plumage coloration are two of the most exploited signaling pathways among birds and they have an important role in sexual selection and reproductive isolation. The evolution of vocal and visual signals and their efficiency to confer information are influenced by many factors, such as the signaler's morphology, the environment in which these are transmitted, or the sensitivity of either intended or unintended receivers like potential predators. In this chapter we review the diversity of visual and vocal signals among Neotropical birds which have been less studied than their counterparts from other biogeographic realms. The particularities they may present are not exceptions, but opportunities to gain a better understanding of avian communication and the factors influencing its evolution.Fil: Barreira, Ana Soledad. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia"; ArgentinaFil: García, Natalia Cristina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia"; Argentina. Cornell Lab Of Ornithology; Estados Unido