Predation favours cryptic coloration in breeding male pied flycatchers

Article Abstract:

A study on the disappearance of male pied flycatchers during their breeding period in Norway reveals that disappearance is maximum during the nestling season due to high predation by European sparrowhawks. Predation mediates plumage maturation and cryptic coloration in male pied flycatchers. Bright colored males are more susceptible to predation as they are more easily spotted by sparrowhawks in comparision to dull colored males. The rate of female disappearance is more than that of dull colored males.

author: Dale, Svein, Slagsvold, Tore, Kruszewicz, Andrzej
Behavior, Predation (Biology), Protective coloration (Biology), Protective coloration (Animal coloration)

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Mate choice copying versus preference for actively displaying males by female pied flycatchers

Article Abstract:

Females may rely on selection by others in order to cut the costs of the process of assessing mate quality. Female pied flycatchers were studied to see whether they were influenced by prior selection of potential mates by other females. This was found not to be the case. The females neither favored already selected males, nor did they avoid them for fear of competition. Their selection appears to be linked to the male's courtship display, and was independent of prior choices made by otehr females.

author: Slagsvold, Tore, Viljugrein, Hildegunn
Ornithological research, Courtship of animals, Mating behavior, Animal behavior

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Polygyny and female aggression in the pied flycatcher: a comment on Ratti et al

Article Abstract:

Analysis of female aggression in pied flycatchers, Ficedula hypoleuca, find that the aggressive behavior of females occurs in order to defend the male parental care. In polygynous birds, female breeding success mainly depends on the male parental care. Polyterritoriality in male birds is to escape aggression from the primary female, when trying to attract a second female.

author: Dale, Svein, Slagsvold, Tore
Animal breeding, Polygamy

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subjects list: Analysis, Pied flycatcher, Research
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