Abstract
We have investigated genetic parentage in a Swiss population of tawny owls (Strix aluco). To this end, we performed genetic analysis for six polymorphic loci of 49 avian microsatellite loci tested for cross-species amplification. We found one extra-pair young out of 137 (0.7%) nestlings in 37 families (2.7%). There was no intra-specific brood parasitism. Our results are in accordance with previous findings for other raptors and owls that genetic monogamy is the rule. Female tawny owls cannot raise offspring without a substantial contribution by their mates. Hence one favoured hypothesis is that high paternal investment in reproduction selects for behaviour that prevents cuckoldry.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 113-116 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | Journal of Ornithology |
| Volume | 148 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Early online date | Dec 2006 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Jan 2007 |
Keywords
- microsatellite
- tawny owl
- Strix aluco
- extra-pair paternity
- breeding synchrony
- mating system
- microsatellite markers
- birds
- care
- fertilizations
- populations
- decisions
- monogamy