Testosterone correlates of mate guarding, singing and aggressive behavioUr in male barn swallows, Hirundo rustica
Article Abstract:
A study was conducted to determine the correlation between mate-guarding and aggressive behavior and singing and testosterone levels in male barn swallows, Hirundo rustica. Blood samples at different stages of the breeding cycle were analyzed and compared with mate-guarding and singing activity data. The results showed that plasma testosterone was positively correlated with sexual behavior, thus, males with high testosterone levels exhibited more aggressive sexual and territorial behavior. However, there were no evidences that support the relationship between the swallows' singing activity and their testosterone levels.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 1995
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Differential predation cost of a secondary sexual character: sparrowhawk predation on barn swallows
Article Abstract:
Signalling theory assumes that secondary sexual characteristics and other traits may compromise the survival and reproduction of individuals of low phenotypic quality. A new study of barn swallows with exaggerated tail feathers investigates the signalling theory. The study shows a clear sex bias in predation by sparrowhawks, with males being caught more often than females. Individuals who evaded predation were found to have longer and less asymmetric tails than the male barn swallows which were caught, suggesting a negative link between predation risk and degree of sexual ornamentation.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 1997
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The functional significance of sexual display: stone carrying in the black wheatear
Article Abstract:
A study on the significance of stone carrying display in assessing mate quality among black wheatears shows that the presence or absence of old stones at the breeding sites does not affect female reproductivity. The number of offsprings produced annually is directly proportional to the number of stones carried by the male. The laying date and annual reproductive efforts are affected by the stone-carrying display. Watching the stone-carrying display provides direct and indirect fitness benefits to the female.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 1996
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