Open AccessA necrophilic copulation by a Bridled Tern Onychoprion anaethetus
Author(s) -
Graham R. Fulton
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
australian field ornithology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2206-3447
pISSN - 1448-0107
DOI - 10.20938/afo33235236
Subject(s) - zoology , biology
A Bridled Tern Onychoprion anaethetus was observed copulating with a deceased conspecific on an offshore island, Penguin Island, in south-western Australia. The copulation lasted for c. 30 seconds, in contrast with the usually 3-10 seconds observed in this species. This unusual copulation may simply be the result of a strong breeding drive present in colonially nesting Bridled Terns.
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