Sneaky copulations by subordinate males suggest direct fitness benefits from male–male associations in spotted bowerbirds (Ptilonorhynchus maculatus). (9th October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Spezie, Giovanni; Fusani, Leonida
• Is Part Of: Ethology. Volume 129:Number 1(2023)
• Page Start: 55
• Page End: 61
• Publication Date: 2022-10-09
• Subjects: alternative reproductive tactic -- bowerbird -- cheating -- courtship coalition -- direct fitness benefits -- sneaky copulation; Animal behavior -- Periodicals; 591.5
• DOI: 10.1111/eth.13336
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0179-1613

Abstract

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' bowers. Multiple non‐resident males disrupted the ongoing copulations between the bower owner and a receptive female, and these events were followed by violent aggressive interactions. These observations shed new light on same‐sex social dynamics in spotted bowerbirds and support the hypothesis that subordinate males are sexually mature individuals that occasionally obtain access to females while attending established bowers. We discuss these findings in light of the literature on male courtship coalitions and agonistic behaviour in bowerbirds, and highlight further aspects of subordinate behaviour that require empirical investigation. Abstract : Resident male spotted bowerbirds tolerate the presence of non‐territorial, subordinate males at their display arenas. We report in this paper on four separate instances of sneaky copulations by subordinate males at adults' bowers. These novel observations suggest that subordinate males gain direct fitness benefits by associating with older bower owners at established bowers. The implications of this finding for male‐male associations and coalitionary behaviour in this species are discussed in detail.