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Spatial dynamics of alternative reproductive strategies: the role of neighbors.

Vincent A. Formica, Rusty A. Gonser, Scott M. Ramsay and Elaina M. Tuttle

published: 2004 | Research publication | White-throated sparrows

Using remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), we found that the territories of white and tan males do not differ in size or vegetation structure, suggesting that these factors are not of primary importance to males when deciding where to establish a territory. Instead, we suggest that the placement of white and tan territories depends on the number of neighbors (particularly, white male neighbors). Tan males settle in low-density, neighbor-restrictive habitats where intruder pressure from white males seeking extra-pair copulations is reduced. In contrast, white males tend to settle in high-density areas where the probability of encountering neighboring fertile females is greatest.

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revised Jul 19/05

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