Effects of stimuli emanating from the nest on the reproductive cycle in the ring dove. III: building in the postlaying period and effects on the success of the cycle.
Nest-building as a functional activity is shown to continue well into the incubation period of the ring dove (Streptopelia risoria), its intensity depending on the state of the nest. The presence of a nest has profound consequences on breeding success: pairs with no nests did not incubate well and did not hatch their eggs. Pre-laying disruption of the nest or of the usual roles of the male and female had no effect on incubation as long as a nest was present when the eggs were laid. It is concluded that the presence of a nest is necessary for the proper establishment of incubation. The possible role of the nest in incubation is discussed.
D000818:Animals; D010856:Columbidae / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D009425:Nesting Behavior; D010058:Oviposition; D012098:Reproduction