AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Copulation behaviour of the tree swallow, Tachycineta bicolor: paternity assurance in the presence of sperm competition

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1991
Authors:Venier, LA, Robertson, RJ
Journal:Animal Behaviour
Volume:42
Issue:6
Date Published:1991
ISBN Number:0003-3472
Keywords:Hirundinidae, Hirundo, Hirundo rustica, Tachycineta, Tachycineta bicolor
Abstract:Tree swallows engage in extra-pair copulations, creating an opportunity for sperm competition. The aim of this study was to determine whether the pattern of within-pair copulation was consistent with the use of frequent copulation by the male to assure paternity. Tree swallows attempted copulation frequently (65 times per clutch), 78% of which resulted in cloacal contact. Copulations were most frequent from 8 days prior to egg laying until early in egg laying. Over the whole season, pairs averaged (
URL:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003347205801460
Short Title:Animal Behaviour
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith