Mate guarding in the wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

Abstract:

Mate guarding was studied in six pairs of Wheatears Oenanthe oenanthe in a colour banded population in central Sweden. Early breeding pairs were subjected to a higher intrusion rate than late breeding ones. Most often intruders were males from neighbouring territories. Males reacted aggressively towards intruding males, and females towards trespassing females. Males tried to attract and copulate with trespassing females. There were some indications that females visited other territorial males prior to their fertile period. Males stayed close to their mates during the latter's fertile period and followed them wherever they moved. Males always perched higher than females probably to enhance both territorial and mate guarding efficiency. When females entered their postfertile period, their mates made more frequent intrusions into other territories. At the same time they markedly increased their rates of displays and …

Año de publicación:

1985

Keywords:

Fuente:

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