Brandl-et-al_2018_BEAS.pdf (687.26 kB)
Wild zebra finches do not use social information from conspecific reproductive success for nest site choice and clutch size decisions
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 14:17 authored by Hanja B Brandl, Simon C Griffith, Wiebke SchuettWiebke SchuettInformation about the quality of local habitat can greatly help to improve an individual’s decision-making and, ultimately, its fitness. Nevertheless, little is known about the mechanisms and significance of information use in reproductive decisions, especially in unpredictable environments. We tested the hypothesis that perceived breeding success of conspecifics serves as a cue for habitat quality and hence influences breeding decisions (nest site choice and clutch size), using the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) as a model species. Zebra finches breed opportunistically in the unpredictable, arid zone of Australia. They often inspect the nests of conspecifics, potentially to prospect on conspecific reproductive success, i.e., to collect social information. We conducted a clutch and brood size manipulation to experimentally create the perception of high and low quality areas. In six areas, clutch sizes of almost 300 zebra finch nests were either all increased (N?=?3 areas) or reduced (N?=?3 areas) throughout one breeding season. The number of breeding pairs and sizes of newly laid clutches were not significantly affected by the manipulated reproductive success of the areas. Thus, zebra finches did not use social cues for their reproductive decisions, which contrasts with findings of species in temperate zones, and could be an adaptation to the high unpredictability of their habitat. Even the personal experience of rebreeding birds did not directly affect their clutch size. Our study suggests that zebra finches employ a high level of opportunism as a key strategy for reproduction. Further, this is the first study to our knowledge using an experimental approach in the wild to demonstrate that decision-making in unpredictable natural environments might differ from decision-making in temperate environments with seasonal breeding.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
Behavioral Ecology and SociobiologyISSN
0340-5443Publisher
Springer VerlagExternal DOI
Issue
114Volume
72Page range
1-11Department affiliated with
- Evolution, Behaviour and Environment Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2018-07-30First Open Access (FOA) Date
2019-06-22First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2018-08-03Usage metrics
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