Introduction

Much recent research has focused on communication that occurs prior to and during agonistic interactions in animals, leading to theoretical and empirical advances in our understanding of the evolution of signalling before and during agonistic contests (Maynard Smith, 1982; Huntingford & Turner, 1987; Bradbury & Vehrencamp, 1998; Johnstone, 2001). However, very little research has focused on the signalling that occurs at the conclusion of agonistic contests (but see Ch. 10) despite the fact that such signalling may have important consequences for animals involved in such contests and nearby conspecifics. Post-contest signals may be given by the winner or loser of a contest or may occur when there is no clear winner or loser. Such signalling by a winner or loser may be directed towards the other combatant or may be directed to others, such as potential rivals and mates. One type of post-contest signal has been called a ‘victory display’ (e.g. Bradbury & Vehrencamp, 1998). Here, I define a victory display as a display performed by the winner of a contest but not by the loser. In this chapter, I review the known occurrence of victory displays and then use those examples to explore the functional significance of victory displays. I first consider functions within the combatant dyad and then expand the view to consider functions within a communication network. Along the way, I illustrate some difficulties in studying victory displays and suggest areas for further research.