Effects of breeding density and plumagecoloration on mate guarding and cuckoldry in bluegrosbeaks (Passerina caerulea)

Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea) Science Article 3

abstract

For species in which females mate outside of the pair bond, selection should favor male mate-guarding behaviors that minimize investment in genetically unrelated offspring. Mate guarding may impose costs by diverting time and energy from activities such as foraging and seeking extra-pair copulations, so males should adjust their mateguarding behavior according to the risk of cuckoldry.

Laura K. Estep et al, Can. J. Zool. 83: 1143-1148 (2005)

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