Premium
The pair bond and divorce among Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus on Skokholm Island, Wales
Author(s) -
HARRIS M. P.,
SAFRIEL U. N.,
BROOKE M. DE L.,
BRITTON C. K.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
ibis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.933
H-Index - 80
eISSN - 1474-919X
pISSN - 0019-1019
DOI - 10.1111/j.1474-919x.1987.tb03158.x
Subject(s) - pair bond , hatching , biology , seasonal breeder , zoology , avian clutch size , ecology , geography , reproduction
Mate changes of Oystercatchers were followed over a 15‐year period. In 8.0% of instances, the pair split up between breeding seasons even when both members bred the second season. The likelihood of divorce was highest for birds aged five years, the modal age of first breeding. After divorce birds did not select an older or younger mate when re‐pairing. Low hatching success increased the chances of divorce. Divorce was not followed by significant changes in clutch‐size, laying date or nesting success (although females tended to be more successful).