The role of static features of males in the mate choice behavior of female Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

Chana K. Akins, Neil Levens, Heather Bakondy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

In two experiments, we investigated the mate choice behavior of female Japanese quail toward taxidermically-prepared male models. Both experiments consisted of four phases: (1) habituation; (2) a pre-test in which two taxidermically-prepared models of male birds were presented; (3) observation in which the respective non-preferred male model was presented either alone or with another stimulus, and (4) a post-test in which male models were again presented alone. Results showed that focal females increased their preference for a non-preferred male model that they had previously observed with a live female (Experiment 1) or with a taxidermically-prepared female model (Experiment 2). Two control groups ruled out the possibility that focal females were choosing male models either because: (1) males were presented with an additional stimulus, or (2) females were choosing an area where they observed male models with other females. The findings suggest that female quail may utilize static, species-specific features of male conspecifics in mate choice.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)97-103
Number of pages7
JournalBehavioural Processes
Volume58
Issue number1-2
DOIs
StatePublished - May 28 2002

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
The research was supported by National Science Foundation grant # IBN-9511656 (C.K. Akins). We thank Mack Bautista, Kristie Hall, Sarah Becker, Michelle Parish, and Brad Cooper for their assistance with data collection. The authors would also like to acknowledge Dr J.E.R. Staddon and the two anonymous reviewers for their helpful suggestions on this manuscript.

Keywords

  • Avian
  • Mate choice
  • Species-specific cues
  • Static features

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Animal Science and Zoology
  • Behavioral Neuroscience

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The role of static features of males in the mate choice behavior of female Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this