Open AccessMale risk-taking is related to number of mates in a polygynous bird
Author(s) -
Bobby Habig,
Patrick I. Chiyo,
David C. Lahti
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
behavioral ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.162
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1465-7279
pISSN - 1045-2249
DOI - 10.1093/beheco/arw187
Subject(s) - polygyny , biology , nest (protein structural motif) , competition (biology) , reproductive success , sexual selection , sperm competition , ecology , alarm , demography , zoology , population , sociology , composite material , biochemistry , materials science
Lay Summary The male with the most mates is the bravest. If a male village weaverbird leaves his breeding colony when it is threatened, he saves himself but abandons his territory to predators and fierce rivals. This study shows that polygynous male weavers stand their ground during a disturbance according to how much they have to lose, especially how many females occupy their nests. Even the same male will get braver as he gains more females.
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