Winter associations predict social and extra-pair mating patterns in a wild songbird

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Ecology
• Avian Reproduction
• Social Dynamics

Background:

• Understanding variation in extra-pair paternity (EPP) is crucial in evolutionary biology.
• EPP is influenced by individual traits and ecological factors, but the role of social associations is less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if pre-breeding social associations impact mating patterns, specifically EPP, in blue tits.
• To determine if winter social bonds predict future breeding proximity and extra-pair young.

Main Methods:

• Observed social associations (foraging together) during the non-breeding period in blue tits.
• Assessed breeding proximity and the occurrence of extra-pair young between social dyads.
• Statistically controlled for spatial effects on EPP.

Main Results:

• Stronger winter social associations correlated with closer nesting distances.
• Even after accounting for proximity, dyads with stronger pre-breeding associations showed a higher likelihood of having extra-pair young.
• Social associations during the non-breeding season significantly predict mating patterns.

Conclusions:

• Pre-breeding social associations have a lasting impact on mating decisions and EPP.
• The long-term social environment plays a key role in shaping reproductive strategies.
• Studying social dynamics offers a promising avenue for understanding pair formation and EPP.