Changes in incubation sharing in one pair of captive California condors (Gymnogyps californianus)
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1994 |
Authors: |
Nancy C. Harvey, Ernest W. Hartt, Allison J. Leete, Kris Preston |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Publisher: |
A Wiley Company, Inc., Wiley Subscription Services |
Keywords: |
aggression, dominance, mate choice |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430130207.abs Three years of behavioral data were collected on incubation behavior in one pair of captive condors (Gymnogyps californianus) at the San Diego Wild Animal Park. Data were collected from daily video tape reviews of the nest box. The amount of time each bird was in the nest box, and whether it was on or off the egg were recorded, along with any aggressive interactions observed in the nest. For the first 2 years, the female incubated the egg(s) significantly more than the male. During the third year, the male increased his incubation time on the egg, resulting in no difference between the two sexes in incubation time. Changes in male incubation behavior may be a result of several factors: increased compatibility between the pair, social maturation, and/or increased dominance on the part of the male. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.