Copulation and mate guarding in the Northern Fulmar
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Abstract
I studied the timing and frequency of copulation in mated pairs and the occurrence of extra-pair copulation (EPC) among Northern Fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis) for 2 yr. Copulation peaked 24 days before laying, a few days before females departed on a prelaying exodus of about 3 weeks. I estimated that females were inseminated at least 34 times each season. A total of 44 EPC attempts was seen, 9 (20%) of which apparently resulted in insemination. Five successful EPCs were solicitated by females visiting neighboring males. Multiple copulations during a single mounting were rare within pairs but occurred in nearly half of the successful EPCs. Both sexes visited neighbors during the prelaying period, and males employed a special behavioral display to gain acceptance by unattended females. Males invested time in nest-site attendance during the prelaying period to guard their mates and pursue EPC. However, the occurrence of EPC in fulmars was largely a matter of female choice.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Copulation and mate guarding in the Northern Fulmar |
| Series title | The Auk |
| DOI | 10.2307/4087544 |
| Volume | 104 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Year Published | 1987 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | American Ornithological Society |
| Contributing office(s) | Alaska Science Center |
| Description | 12 p. |
| First page | 450 |
| Last page | 461 |
| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| Other Geospatial | Semidi Islands |