Sneaky copulations by subordinate males suggest direct fitness benefits from male-male associations in spotted bowerbirds (Ptilonorhynchus maculatus).

ABSTRACT: Male spotted bowerbirds (Ptilonorhynchus maculatus) build and defend a structure of sticks and straw-the bower-decorated with colourful objects to attract mates during the breeding season. Specific non-territorial, subordinate males are tolerated by resident males at bowers over multiple breeding seasons. Prior research showed that these male-male associations exhibit attributes of coalitionary behaviour and that subordinate males gain delayed benefits from associating with bower owners, namely future bower inheritance. Yet, it remained unclear whether subordinate males may additionally gain direct fitness benefits from attending established bowers. Here, we report on four separate instances of sneaky copulations (or attempts of copulating) by subordinate males at resident males' bo

SUBMITTER: Spezie G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10092701 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature