Data from: Stress response, gut microbial diversity, and sexual signals correlate with social interactions

Theory predicts that social interactions are dynamically linked to
phenotype. Yet because social interactions are difficult to quantify,
little is known about the precise details on how interactivity is linked
to phenotype. Here, we deployed proximity loggers on North American barn
swallows (Hirundo rustica erythrogaster) to examine intercorrelations
among social interactions, morphology and features of the phenotype that
are sensitive to the social context: stress-induced corticosterone (CORT)
and gut microbial diversity. We analysed relationships at two spatial
scales of interaction: (i) body contact and (ii) social interactions
occurring between 0.1 and 5 m. Network analysis revealed that
relationships between social interactions, morphology, CORT and gut
microbial diversity varied depending on the sexes of the individuals
interacting and the spatial scale of interaction proximity. We found
evidence that body contact interactions were related to diversity of
socially transmitted microbes and that looser social interactions were
related to signalling traits and CORT.