Avellis • TAIL-PUMPING BEHAVIOR OF THE BLACK PHOEBE 
771 
demonstrated for many species (Alvarez et al. 
2006, Murphy 2006, Randier 2007 ) in addition to 
Black Phoebes. 
The array of behaviors studied probably 
advertises the overall condition of an individual 
in addition to signaling awareness of a predator. 
Zahavi's (1975) handicap principle postulated that 
signals are honest because of the inherent cost of 
these behaviors. Individuals, therefore, do not 
cheat because signal quality is related to body 
condition (Zahavi 1977, Hasson 1991. Hasson 
1194). Black Phoebes that tail pump, call, and 
approach are likely advertising they are healthy 
individuals and are difficult to capture. Bluck 
Phoebes are highly maneuverable birds and these 
energetically costly behaviors most likely reflect 
their low profitability as prey. 
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 
I thank K. E. Koek for helping with field work, and C. E. 
Avellis, D. A. Gray. Fritz Hcrtel. and two anonymous 
reviewers for suggestions to improve this paper. 
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