Seasonal pattern of reverse mounting in the groove-billed ani (Crotophaga sulcirostris)

Condor
By: , and 

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Abstract

We observed reverse mounting behavior in a color-banded population of Groove-billed Anis (Crotophaga sulcirostris) in Costa Rica. Sex was determined with measurements and laparotomies. Reverse mounting appeared nearly identical to mounting by males. Of 27 mountings in which at least one bird was banded, 15 were reverse mountings. Only reverse mountings (11 observations) were observed in the pre-breeding period. During the breeding season males mounted females in 12 of 16 mountings; one of the reverse mountings followed nest predation. The timing of reverse mounting in anis suggests that it has an adaptive function in courtship. The proximate mechanism may be differential timing between partners in the development of breeding condition or of sexual motivation.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Seasonal pattern of reverse mounting in the groove-billed ani (Crotophaga sulcirostris)
Series title Condor
DOI 10.2307/1368618
Volume 93
Year Published 1991
Language English
Publisher Oxford Academic
Contributing office(s) Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
Description 5 p.
First page 159
Last page 163
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