Copulation and mate guarding in the Northern Fulmar

Scott A. Hatch

doi:10.2307/4087544

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Copulation and mate guarding in the Northern Fulmar

Scott A. Hatch

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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.

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Source-reported bounding extent: 55.9407405184921° to 56.272336447630416° latitude; -156.93832397460938° to -156.46865844726562° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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BibTeX RIS

Scott A. Hatch. 1987. Copulation and mate guarding in the Northern Fulmar. https://doi.org/10.2307/4087544

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