MATE COMPETITION, MATE GUARDING, AND UNUSUAL TIMING OF COPULATIONS IN THE CAPE SUGARBIRD (PROMEROPS CAFER)

Summary

Seiler, H. W. & Prŷs-Jones, R. P. 1989. Mate competition, mate guarding, and unusual timing of copulations in the Cape Sugarbird (Promerops cafer). Ostrich 60:159-164.

Focal observations on two breeding pairs of the Cape Sugarbird were undertaken in the Cape Peninsula, South Africa. During the presumed fertile period of the female the male was significantly less likely to become separated from his mate than during other stages of the breeding cycle. This is interpreted as mate paring, which might be triggered by the female well in advance of her actual fertile period. The presumed fertile period was closely accompanied by a sharp increase in territorial intrusions by other males. Copulations were observed only outside the presumed fertile period.