Colorful network: pair-bonding temporal dynamics involve sexual signals and impact reproduction.

This article focuses on the temporal dynamics of pair-bond formation and mate choice in captive groups of zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) using social network analysis (SNA). The study tracked sexual interactions—song, allopreening, and clumping—across multiple sessions to examine how individual sexual signals (beak and cheek patch color) and body condition relate to pair-bonding processes, assortative mating, and reproductive performance. Results showed that pair-bonding followed a sequence from widespread song interactions to more selective allopreening and clumping behaviors, with more colorful males engaging more rapidly and broadly in early interactions. Assortative mating occurred for beak color but not body condition, and reproductive success was positively associated with affiliative behaviors (allopreening and clumping) but negatively associated with extensive early song interactions. The findings highlight the importance of studying dynamic social interactions to understand how individual phenotypic variation influences mating patterns and reproductive outcomes in monogamous species.