Experiential and hormonal conditions affect squab-egg choice in ring doves (Streptopelia risoria)

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Endocrinology
• Animal Behavior
• Reproductive Biology

Background:

• Parental care behaviors in birds are crucial for offspring survival.
• Hormonal regulation, particularly by progesterone and prolactin, plays a significant role in mediating parental responses.
• Experience within a reproductive cycle can modify parental behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of progesterone and prolactin on parental preference in male ring doves.
• To examine the influence of nestling exposure and reproductive experience on parental care decisions.

Main Methods:

• Male ring doves (naive and experienced) were injected with progesterone or progesterone and prolactin.
• Choice tests were conducted presenting simultaneous eggs and squabs.
• The effect of early or late squab introduction into the nest was assessed.

Main Results:

• Progesterone-injected doves preferred eggs, while those injected with progesterone and prolactin preferred squabs.
• Exogenous prolactin and 24-hour squab exposure increased squab preference in both naive and experienced doves.
• Naive doves showed a greater response to squab exposure than experienced doves; late incubation squab introduction was more effective.

Conclusions:

• Intracyclic experience organizes sequential behavioral changes within a reproductive cycle.
• Hormonal priming (prolactin) and direct interaction with young (squab exposure) are key drivers of parental preference.
• Naive individuals are more sensitive to changes in reproductive events compared to experienced ones.