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Timing of incubation bouts by ring doves (Streptopelia risoria)
Journal of Comparative Psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)
|September 1, 1983
Summary
Ring dove parents exhibit synchronized incubation behavior, with nest exchanges primarily initiated by the non-sitting partner. Behavioral synchrony, alongside physiological synchrony, is crucial for maintaining cooperative parental care in these birds.
Area of Science:
- Ethology
- Animal Behavior
- Avian Reproduction
Background:
- Ring dove parents (Streptopelia risoria) share incubation duties, with distinct roles for males and females.
- Understanding the mechanisms of nest exchange and cooperative incubation is key to comprehending avian parental care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the factors influencing nest exchange timing and initiation in ring doves.
- To evaluate the roles of behavioral and physiological synchrony between mates in maintaining cooperative incubation.
Main Methods:
- Continuous monitoring of nest approaches, incubation behavior, and interactions at the nest site.
- Experimental manipulation to prevent male nest area entrances.
Main Results:
- Nest exchanges were predominantly initiated by the non-sitting mate (87%).
- Female sitting onset showed less variability than male sitting onset.
- Preventing male nest area visits did not alter subsequent nest exchange timing, indicating they are not prerequisites.
- Exchanging physiologically synchronized mates disrupted sitting behavior.
Conclusions:
- Behavioral synchrony, reflecting the pair bond, is as vital as physiological synchrony for intermate cooperation in ring dove parental behavior.
- Cooperative incubation in ring doves relies on synchronized interactions and a well-established pair bond.