La Tour du Valat

Institut de recherche pour la conservation des zones humides méditerranéennes

Titre :	Male extraterritorial forays, age and paternity in the socially monogamous reed bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus)
Auteurs :	Oddmund Kleven, Auteur ; Gunnhild Marthinsen, Auteur ; Jan T. Lifjeld, Auteur
Type de document :	Article
Dans :	Journal of Ornithology (147(3) JUL 2006)
Article en page(s) :	468-473
Langues:	Anglais
Résumé :	Genetic studies have shown that extra-pair paternity is widespread among socially monogamous bird species. Yet, the role of males and females and their behavior leading to this mixed reproductive strategy is poorly understood. Here, we analyze paternity in relation to male age and mating behavior in the socially monogamous reed bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus). We report a positive relation between male extraterritorial forays and success in obtaining extra-pair fertilizations. Extraterritorial forays tended to increase in frequency with male age and older males sired a larger number of extra-pair offspring than young males. Identified extra-pair sires were old in nine out of ten cases. The likelihood of being cuckolded was not affected by male age. Although based on correlative data, our results highlight age-dependent explorative male behavior as a key determinant for the understanding of extra-pair mating in the reed bunting. We do, however, emphasize the need for further studies to reveal the role of females in extra-pair copulations and fertilizations.

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