Kuijper, D. (1999) Territory and mate choice in relation to food availability in the Dusky Warbler (Phylloscopusfuscatus). Master's Thesis / Essay, Biology.
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Abstract
The Dusky Warbler (Phylloscopusfuscatus) is a species, in which polygyny occurs at a high rate. Female choice appears to be based on the selection of a territory rather than on the selection of a male, as will be shown elsewhere. Aim of this study was to determine the role of food availability as a measure of territory quality. Territories, which were the most rich in insects during the breeding period, showed a much higher rate of polygyny than poor territories. At the same time, these rich places were occupied by the earliest arriving males and also the first clutches were found there. Surprisingly it was found, that these territories with highest food abundance during the period of raising nestlmgs, had very low insect densities in spring during the arrival of males and females, as compared to other territories. Therefore it is argued, that Dusky warblers, early in spring, are able to predict which territories will be the richest, based on vegetation characteristics and not based on a direct estimate of actual prey density.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master's Thesis / Essay) |
|---|---|
| Degree programme: | Biology |
| Thesis type: | Master's Thesis / Essay |
| Language: | English |
| Date Deposited: | 15 Feb 2018 07:31 |
| Last Modified: | 15 Feb 2018 07:31 |
| URI: | https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/9249 |
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