Mate choice and reproductive success in the red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa).
Behavioral patterns, reproductive success, and concentrations of plasma-luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and estrogen were compared in pairs of red-legged partridges which had either selected their own mates or had been randomly paired. Males in self-selected pairs called more frequently than males in non-self-selected pairs. Females in self-selected pairs but not those in non-self-selected pairs guarded their nests. Females in self-selected pairs had a greater egg production and laid more of their eggs in nests than females in non-self-selected pairs. There was a significant difference between the two groups in the concentration of plasma testosterone in males, which was higher in males from self-selected pairs prior to the onset of egg laying. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that mate choice affects both reproductive parameters and nest defense in monogamous birds.
Bottoni
L
L
Department of Biology, University of Milano, Italy.
Massa
R
R
Lea
R W
RW
Sharp
P J
PJ
D000818:Animals; D001717:Birds / Q000502:physiology*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000502:physiology*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D010058:Oviposition / Q000502:physiology*; D012621:Seasons; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D013739:Testosterone; D004958:Estradiol; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone