Effects of brood size and nestling age on parental care by male field sparrows (Spizella pusilla)
Year: 1990
Type: article
Abstract: AI•STRACT.--Relative to their mates, male Field Sparrows (Spizella pusilla) disproportionately altered their contribution to nestling care as the demand for such care varied.In small broods (1-2 nestlings), males made significantly fewer trips to the nest, brought fewer food items, and brought items of a size equal to those of females.In larger broods (3-4 nestlings), males made significantly more trips, brought more items, and brought significantly larger items.A similar, though less significant, pattern was noted as nestlings aged.Relative to their mates, males made significantly fewer trips to young nestlings.These trends in male nestling care are consistent with the hypothesis that, under conditions of reduced demand for care, males will disproportionately reduce care (Westneat 1988).The time and energy gained could be allocated towards additional mates or extrapair copulations.
Author: Michael Carey
Language: English
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2514158359