Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Mate Selection and Mating Systems in Seabirds

  • Chapter
Behavior of Marine Animals

Abstract

This chapter examines the evolutionary and ecological factors that have influenced courtship and mating patterns of marine birds. The literature on the reproductive behavior of seabirds is vast, and it is not my purpose to review it here. Rather, I focus attention on several questions and seek patterns that may help us understand aspects of variation in reproductive biology. In particular, I will be concerned with the assessment of mate quality and how these qualities affect reproductive success and mating systems.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Ainley, D., 1975a, Development of reproductive maturity in Adelie Penguins, in: The Biology of Penguins, ( B. Stonehouse, ed.), pp. 139–157, University Park Press, Baltimore, Md.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ainley, D. G., 1975b, Displays of Adelie Penguins: A reinterpretation, in: The Biology of Penguins ( B. Stonehouse, ed.), pp. 503–534, University Park Press, Baltimore, Md.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ainley, D. G., 1978, Activity patterns and social behavior of non-breeding Adelie Penguins, Condor 80: 138.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ainley, D. G., and Schlatter, R. P., 1972, Chick raising ability in Adelie Penguins, Auk 89: 559.

    Google Scholar 

  • Altmann, S. A., Wagner, S. S., Lenington, S., 1977, Two models for the evolution of polygyny, Behay. Ecol. Sociobiol. 2: 397.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Andersson, M., 1971, Breeding behavior of the Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus (Vieillot), Ornis. Scand. 2: 35.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ashmole, N. P., 1971, Sea bird ecology and the marine environment, in: Avian Biology ( D. S. Farner and J. R. King, eds.), Vol. I, pp. 223–286, Academic Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Austin, O. L., 1945, The role of longevity in successful breeding by the Common Tern (Sterna hirundo), Bird-Banding 16: 21.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bastock, M., 1967, Courtship: An Ethological Study, Aldine, Chicago, 220 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bateman, A. J., 1948, Intrasexual selection in Drosophila, Heredity 2: 349.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bédard, J., 1969a, Feeding of the least, crested, and parakeet auklets around St. Lawrence Island, Alaska, Can. J. Zool. 47: 1025.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bédard, J., 1969b, The nesting of the crested, least and parakeet auklets on St. Lawrence Island, Alaska, Condor 71: 386.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blest, A. D., 1961, The concept of ritualization, in: Current Problems in Animal Behavior ( W. H. Thorpe and O. L. Zangwill, eds.), pp. 102–124. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, England.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blues, L. J., and Keahey, J. A. 1978, Variation in reproductivity with age in the Brown Pelican, Auk 95: 128.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boersma, P. D., 1977, An ecological and behavioral study of the Galapagos Penguin, Living Bird 15: 43.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boersma, P. D., and Wheelwright, N. T., 1979, Egg neglect in the Procellariiformes: Reproductive adaptations in the Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel, Condor 81: 157.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bonner, W. N., 1964, Polygyny and super-normal clutch size in the brown skua, Catharacta skua lonnbergi (Mathews), Br. Antarct. Surv. Bull. 3: 41.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boswell, J., and Maclver, D., 1975, The Magellanic Penguin Spheniscus magellanicus, in: The Biology of Penguins ( B. Stonehouse, ed.), pp. 397–409, University Park Press, Baltimore, Md.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brooke, M. de L., 1978, Some factors affecting the laying date, incubation and breeding success of the Manx shearwater, Puffinus puffinus, J. Anim. Ecol. 47: 477.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brown, R. G. B., 1967, Courtship behavior in the Lesser Black-backed Gull, Larus fuscus, Behaviour 29: 122.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brown, W. Y., 1973, The breeding biology of Sooty Terns and Brown Noddies on Manana or Rabbit Island, Oahu, Hawaii, Ph.D. thesis, University of Hawaii.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burger, J., and Beer, C. G., 1975, Territoriality in the Laughing Gull (L. atricilla), Behaviour 55: 301.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burton, R. W., 1968, Breeding biology of the Brown Skua, Catharacta skua lonnbergi (Mathews) at Signy Island, S. Orkney Islands, Br. Antarct. Surv. Bull. 15: 9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chabrzyk, G., and Coulson, J. C., 1976, Survival and recruitment in the Herring Gull Larus argentatus, J. Anim. Ecol. 45: 187.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Charnov, E. L., and Krebs, J. R., 1974, On clutch-size and fitness, Ibis 116: 217.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cody, M. L., 1966, A general theory of clutch size, Evolution 20: 174.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cody, M. L., 1971, Ecological aspects of reproduction, in: Avian Biology ( D. S. Farner and J. R. King, eds.), Vol. I, pp. 461–546, Academic Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Collias, N. E., and Jahn, L. R., 1959, Social behavior and breeding success in Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) confined under semi-natural conditions, Auk 76: 478.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Collias, N. E., Victoria, J. K., and Shallenberger, R. J., 1971, Social facilitation in weaverbirds: Importance of colony size, Ecology 52: 823.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Congdon, J. D., Vitt, L. J., and Hadley, N. F., 1978, Parental investment: Comparative reproductive energetics in bisexual and unisexual lizards Cnemidophorus, Am. Nat. 112: 509.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Conover, M. R., Miller, D. E., and Hunt, G. L., 1979, Female-female pairs and other unusual reproductive associations in Ring-billed and California Gulls, Auk 96: 6.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coulson, J. C., 1963, Egg size and shape in the Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) and their use in estimating age composition of populations, Proc. Zool. Soc. London 140: 211.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Coulson, J. C., 1966, The influence of pair-bond and age on the breeding biology of the Kitti wake Gull Rissa tridactyla, J. Anim. Ecol. 35: 269.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Coulson, J. C., 1972, The significance of the pair-bond in the Kittiwake, Proc. XV Int. Ornithol. Congr., p. 424.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coulson, J. C., and Horobin, J., 1976, The influence of age on the breeding biology and survival of the Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea, J. Zool. 178: 247.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Coulson, J. C., and White, E., 1958, The effect of age on the breeding biology of the Kittiwake, Rissa tridactyla, Ibis 100: 40.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Coulson, J. C., and White, E., 1960, The effect of age and density of breeding birds on the time of breeding birds on the time of breeding of the Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla, Ibis 102: 71.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coulson, J. C., and Wooller, R. D., 1976, Differential survival rates among breeding Kittiwake Gulls Rissa tridactyla (L.), J. Anim. Ecol. 45: 205.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cullen, E., 1957, Adaptations in the kittiwake to cliff-nesting, Ibis 99: 275.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cullen, J. M., and Ashmole, N. P., 1963, The Black Noddy Anous tenuirostris on Ascension Island. Part 2. Behavior, Ibis 103b: 423.

    Google Scholar 

  • Daly, M., 1978, The cost of mating, Am. Natur. 112: 771.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dane, B., Walcott, C., and Drury, W. H., 1959, The form and duration of the display actions of the Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula), Behaviour 14: 265.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Darling, F. F., 1938, Bird Flocks and the Breeding Cycle, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, England.

    Google Scholar 

  • Darwin, C. R., 1871, The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex, John Murray, London.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Davis, J. W. F., 1975a, Age, egg-size and breeding success in the Herring Gull Larus argentatus, Ibis 117: 460.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davis, J. W. F., 1975b, Specialization in feeding location by Herring Gulls, J. Anim. Ecol. 44: 795.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davis, J. W. F., 1976, Breeding success and experience in the arctic skua, Stercorarius parasiticus (L.), J. Anim. Ecol. 45: 531.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dilger, W. C., 1960, The comparative ethology of the African parrot genus Agapornis, Z. Tierpsychol. 17: 649.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dinsmore, J., 1971, Sooty tern behavior, Bull. Fla. State Mus., Biol. Sci. 16 (3): 129.

    Google Scholar 

  • Drent, R., 1965, Breeding biology of the Pigeon Guillemot, Cepphus columba, Ardea 53: 99.

    Google Scholar 

  • Drury, W. H., and Smith, W. J., 1968, Defense of feeding areas by adult Herring Gulls and intrusion by young, Evolution 22: 193.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dunn, E. K., 1972, Effect of age on fishing ability of Sandwich Terns, Sterna sandvicensis, Ibis 114: 360.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dunnet, G. M., and Ollason, J. C., 1978, The estimation of survival rate in the fulmar, Fulmarus glacialis, J. Anim. Ecol. 47: 507.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Emlen, S. T., and Oring, L. W., 1977, Ecology, sexual selection, and the evolution of mating systems, Science 197: 215.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ferdinand, L., 1970, Some observations on the behavior of the Little Auk (Plotus alle) on the breeding ground, with special reference to voice production, Dansk. Ornithol. Foren. Copenh. Tidsskrift 63: 19.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fisher, R. A., 1930, The Genetical Theory of Natural Selection, Clarendon Press, Oxford, 2nd ed., Dover, New York, 1958.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gadgil, M., and Bossert, W. H., 1970, Life historical consequences of natural selection, Am. Nat. 104: 1.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gladstone, D. E., 1979, Promiscuity in monogamous colonial birds, Am. Nat. 114: 545.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goodman, D., 1974, Natural selection and a cost ceiling on reproductive effort. Am. Nat. 108: 247.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gross, A. O., 1912, Observations on the Yellow-billed Tropic-bird (Phaethon americanus Grant) at the Bermuda Islands, Auk 29: 49.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hamilton, W. D., 1967, Extraordinary sex ratios, Science 156: 477.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Harris, M. P., 1964, Aspects of the breeding biology of the gulls Larus argentatus, L. fuscus, and L. marinus, Ibis 106: 432.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harris, M. P., 1970, Breeding ecology of the Swallow-tailed Gull, Creagrus furcatus, Auk 87: 215.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harris, M. P., 1979, Population dynamics of the Flightless Cormorant Nannopterum harrisi, Ibis 121: 135.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harris, M. P., and Hope Jones, P., 1969, Sexual differences in measurements of Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Br. Birds 62: 129.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harris, M. P., and Plumb, W. J., 1965, Experiments on the ability of Herring Gulls Larus argentutus and Lesser Black-backed Gulls L. fuscus to raise larger than normal broods, Ibis 107: 256.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hays, H., 1978, Timing and breeding success in three-to seven-year-old Common Terns, Ibis 120: 127.

    Google Scholar 

  • Henderson, B. A., 1972, The control and organization of parental feeding and its relationship to the food supply for the Glaucous-winged Gull, Larus glaucescens, unpublished M.Sc. thesis, University of British Columbia, Vancouver.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoffman, W., Wiens, J. A., and Scott, J. M., 1978, Hybridization between gulls (Larus glaucescens and L. occidentalis) in the Pacific Northwest, Auk 95: 441.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hunt, G. L., and Butler, J. L., 1980, Reproductive ecology of Western Gulls and Xantus’ Murrelets with respect to food resources in the Southern California Bight, Cal. C.O.F.I. 20 (in Hunt, G. L., and Hunt, M. W., 1973, Clutch size, hatching success, and eggshell thinning in Western Gulls, Condor 75: 483.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hunt, G. L., and Hunt, M. W., 1975, Reproductive ecology of the Western Gull: The importance of nest spacing, Auk 92: 270.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hunt, G. L., and Hunt, M. W., 1976, Gull chick survival: The significance of growth rates, timing of breeding and territory size, Ecology 57: 62.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hunt, G. L., and Hunt, M. W., 1977, Female—female pairing in Western Gulls (Larus occidentalis) in southern California, Science 196: 1466.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hunt, G. L., Pitman, R. L., Naughton, M., Winnett, K., Newman, A., Kelley, P. R., and Briggs, K. T., 1979, Distribution, status, reproductive ecology and foraging habits of breeding seabirds, in: Vol. III: Summary of Marine Mammal and Seabird Surveys of the Southern California Bight Area 1975–1978, Part III: Seabirds of the Southern California Bight, Regents of the University of California, Santa Cruz and Irvine.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hunt, G. L., Wingfield, J. C., Newman, A., and Farner, D. S., 1980, Sex ratio of Western Gulls on Santa Barbara Island, Auk 97.

    Google Scholar 

  • Huxley, J. S., 1923, Courtship activities in the Red-throated Diver (Columbus stellatus Pontopp); together with a discussion on the evolution of courtship in birds, J. Linn. Soc. London 25: 253.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ingolfsson, A., 1967, The feeding ecology of five species of large gulls (Larus) in Iceland, Unpublished Ph.D. thesis, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ingolfsson, A., 1970, Hybridization of Glaucous Gulls Larus hyperboreus and Herring Gulls L. argentatus in Iceland, Ibis 112: 340.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jefferies, D., 1967, The delay in ovulation produced by pp’-DDT and its possible significance in the field, Ibis 109: 266.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johnsgard, P. A., 1965, Handbook of Waterfowl Behavior, Cornell University Press, Ithaca, 378 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, S. R., and West, G. C., 1973, Fat content, fatty acid composition and estimates of energy metabolism of Adelie Penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) during the early breeding season fast, Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 45: 709.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Johnston, W. D., and Foster, M. E., 1954, Interspecific relations of breeding gulls at Honey Lake, California, Condor 56: 38.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Krebs, J. R., 1970, The efficiency of courtship feeding in the Blue Tit Parus caeruleus, Ibis 112: 108.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kruuk, H., 1964, Predators and anti-predator behavior of the Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus L.), Behay. Suppl. 11: 1–129.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lack, D., 1940, Courtship feeding in birds, Auk 57: 169.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lack, D., 1954, The Natural Regulation of Animal Numbers, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 343 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lack, D., 1966, Population Studies of Birds, Clarendon Press, Oxford, 341 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lack, D., 1968, Ecological Adaptations for Breeding in Birds, Chapman and Hall, London, 409 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Langham, N. P. E., 1974, Comparative breeding biology of the Sandwich Tern, Auk 91: 255.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lehrman, D. S., 1955, The physiological basis of parental feeding in the Ring Dove (Streptopelia risoria), Behaviour 7: 241.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lehrman, D. S., 1959, Hormonal responses to external stimuli in birds, Ibis 101: 478.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lehrman, D. S., 1964, The reproductive behavior of Ring Doves, Sci. Am. 211: 48.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • LeResche, R. E., and Sladen, W., 1970, Establishment of pair and breeding site bonds by young known-age Adelie Penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae), Anim. Behay. 8: 517.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lorenz, K., 1941, Vergleichende Bewegungsstudien an Anatinen, J. Orn., Lpz. 89 (English Vol. 3 ): 194.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lundberg, C. A., and Vaisanen, 1979, Selective correlation of egg size with chick mortality in the Black-headed Gull (Larus Rddbbundus), Condor 81: 146.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • MacRoberts, B. R., and MacRoberts, M. H., 1972, Social stimulation of reproduction in Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Ibis 114: 495.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • MacRoberts, M. H., 1973, Extramarital courting in Lesser Black-backed and Herring Gulls, Z. Tierpsychol. 32: 62.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maynard-Smith, J., 1978, The Evolution of Sex, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 222 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mayr, E., 1939, The sex-ratio in wild birds, Am. Nat. 73: 156.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mills, J. A., 1973, The influence of age and pair bond on the breeding biology of the Red-billed Gull, Larus novaehollandiae scopulinus, J. Anim. Ecol. 42: 147.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mills, J. A., 1979, Factors affecting the egg size of Red-billed Gulls Larus novaehollandiae scopulinus, Ibis 121: 53.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moffitt, J., 1942, A nesting colony of Ring-billed Gulls in California, Condor 44: 105.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Morrison, M. L., Slack, R. D., and Skanley, E., 1978, Age and foraging ability relationships of Olivaceous Cormorants, Wilson Bull. 90: 414.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moynihan, M., 1955a, Remarks on the original sources of displays, Auk 72: 240.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moynihan, M., 19556, Some aspects of reproductive behavior in the Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus ridibundus L.) and related species, Behay. Suppl. 4, 201 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moynihan, M., 1958, Notes on the behavior of some North American gulls. III: pairing behavior, Behaviour 12: 112.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Murphy, R. C., 1936, Oceanic Birds of South America, American Museum of Natural History—MacMillan, New York, 1245 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Myers, J. H., 1978, Sex ratio adjustment under food stress: maximization of quality or numbers of offspring? Am. Nat. 112: 381.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nelson, J. B., 1964, Factors influencing clutch-size and chick growth in the North Atlantic Gannet Sula bassana, Ibis 106: 63.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nelson, J. B., 1966, The breeding biology of the Gannet Sula bassana on the Bass Rock, Scotland, Ibis 108: 584.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nelson, J. B., 1970, The relationship between behavior and ecology in the Sulidae with reference to other sea birds, Oceanogr. Mar. Biol. Annu. Rev. 8: 501.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nelson, J. B., 1972, Evolution of the pair bond in the Sulidae, Proc. XV Inter. Ornith. Congr., p. 371.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nelson, J. B., 1977, Some relationships between food and breeding in the marine Pelecaniformes, in: Evolutionary Ecology ( B. Stonehouse and C. Perrins, eds.), pp. 77–87, University Park Press, Baltimore, Md.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nelson, J. B., 1978, The Sulidae—Gannets and Boobies,Aberdeen University Studies Series 154,Oxford, 1012 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nettleship, D. N., 1972, Breeding success of the Common Puffin (Fratercula arctica L.) on different habitats at Great Island, Newfoundland, Ecol. Monogr. 42: 239.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nisbet, I. T. C., 1973, Courtship-feeding, egg-size and breeding success in Common Terns, Nature (London) 241: 141.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nisbet, I. T. C., 1975, Selective effects of predation in a tern colony, Condor 77: 221.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nisbet, I. T. C., 1977, Courtship-feeding and clutch size in Common Terns Sterna hirundo, in: Evolutionary Ecology (B. Stonehouse and C. Perrins, eds.), pp. 101-109, University Park Press, Baltimore, Md.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nisbet, I. T. C., 1978, Dependence of fledging success on egg size, parental performance and egg-composition among Common and Roseate Terns, Sterna hirundo and S. dougalii, Ibis 120: 207.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nisbet, I. T. C., Wilson, K. J., and Broad, W. A., 1978, Common Terns raise young after death of their mates, Condor 80: 106.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • N¢rrevang, A., 1958, On the breeding biology of the Guillemot [Urfa aalge (Pont.)], Dansk. Orn. Foren. Tidsskr. 52: 48.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ollason, J. C., and Dunnet, G. M., 1978, Age, experience and other factors affecting the breeding success of the Fulmar, Fulmarus glacialis, in Orkney, J. Anim. Ecol. 47: 961.

    Google Scholar 

  • Orians, G. H., 1969a, On the evolution of mating systems in birds and mammals, Am. Nat. 103: 589.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Orians, G. H., 1969b, Age and hunting success in the Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), Anim. Behay. 17: 316.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Paludan, K., 1951, Contributions to the breeding biology of Larus argentatus and Larus fuscus, Vidensk. Medd. Dan. Naturhist. Foren. Kobenhaven 114: 1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Parsons, J., 1970, Relationship between egg-size and post-hatching chick mortality in the Herring Gull (Larus argentatus), Nature (London) 228: 1221.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Parsons, J., 1975, Asynchronous hatching and chick mortality in the Herring Gull Larus argentatus, Ibis 117: 517.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Patterson, I. J., 1965, Timing and spacing of broods in the Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus L.), Ibis 107: 433.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Patton, S., and Weisbrod, A. R., 1974, Sympatry and interbreeding of Herring and Glaucous-winged Gulls in southeastern Alaska, Condor 76: 343.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pennycuick, C. J., 1956, Observations on a colony of Brünnich’s Guillemot Uria lomvia in Spitsbergen, Ibis 98: 80.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Perrins, C. M., 1965, Population fluctuations and clutch-size in the Great Tit, Parus major L., J. Anim. Ecol. 34: 601.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Recher, H. F., and Recher, J. A., 1969, Comparative foraging efficiency of adult and immature little Blue Herons (Florida caerulea), Anim. Behay. 17: 320.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Richdale, L. E., 1957, A Population Study of Penguins, Clarendon Press, Oxford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ricklefs, R. E., 1974, Energetics of reproduction in birds, in: Avian Energetics (R. A. Paynter, Jr., ed.), pp. 152–292, Nutt. Ornithol. Club Pub. 15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Royama, T., 1966, A re-interpretation of courtship feeding, Bird Study 13: 116.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ryder, J. P., 1975, Egg-laying, egg size, and success in relation to immature–mature plumage in Ring-billed Gulls, Wilson Bull. 87: 534.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ryder, J. P., 1978, Possible origins and adaptive value of female-female pairing in gulls, Proc. Colonial Waterbird Group, 1978: 138.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ryder, J. P., and Somppi, P. L., 1979, Female-female pairing in Ring-billed Gulls, Auk 96: 1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sauer, E. G. F. 1972, Aberrant sexual behavior in the South African Ostrich, Auk 89: 717.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schreiber, R. W., 1970, Breeding biology of Western Gulls (Larus occidentalis) on San Nicolas Island, California, 1968, Condor 72: 133.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schreiber, R. W., and Ashmole, N. P., 1970, Sea-bird breeding seasons on Christmas Island, Pacific Ocean, Ibis 112: 363.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sealy, S. G., 1972, Adaptative differences in breeding biology in the marine bird family Alcidae, Unpublished Ph.D. thesis, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sealy, S. G., 1973, Adaptative significance of post-hatching developmental patterns and growth rates in the alcidae, Ornis Scand, 4: 113.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sealy, S. G., 1975a, Feeding ecology of the Ancient and Marbled Murrelets near Langara Island, British Columbia, Can. J. Zool. 53: 418.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sealy, S. G., 1975b, Egg size of murrelets, Condor 77: 500.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sealy, S. G., and Bédard, J., 1973, Breeding biology of the Parakeet Auklet (Cyclorrhynchus psittacula) on St. Lawrence Island, Alaska, Astarte 6: 59.

    Google Scholar 

  • Searcy, W. A., 1978, Foraging success in three age classes of Glaucous-winged Gulls, Auk 95: 586.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shugart, G. W., and Southern, W. E., 1977, Close nesting, a result of polygyny in Herring Gulls, Bird-Banding 48: 276.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sladen, W. J. L., 1957, The Pygoscelid Penguins II. The Adelie Penguin Pygoscelis adelie (Hombron and Jacquinot) Faulkland Is. Dept. Surface Sci. Rep. 17: 23.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith, N. G., 1966, Evolution of some Arctic gulls (Larus): An experimental study of isolating mechanisms, Ornithol. Mongr. 4: 1–99.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Southern, W. E., 1974, Copulatory wing-flagging: A synchronizing stimulus for nesting Ring-billed Gulls, Bird-Banding 45: 210.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Spurr, E. B., 1975, Communication in the Adelie Penguin, in: The Biology of Penguins ( B. Stonehouse, ed.), pp. 449–501, University Park Press, Baltimore, Md.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stonehouse, B., 1953, The Emperor Penguin Aptenodytes fosteri Gray. I. Breeding behavior and development, Falkland Is. Dept. Survey Sci. Rep. 6: 1–35.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stonehouse, B., 1956, The Brown Skua Catharacta skua lonnbergi (Mathews) of South Georgia, Falkland Is. Dept. Survey Sci. Rep. 14: 1–25.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stonehouse, B., 1960. The King Penguin Aptenodytes patagonica of South Georgia. I. Breeding behavior and development, Falkland Is. Dept. Survey Sci. Rep. 23: 1–81.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stonehouse, B., 1962, The tropic birds (genus Phaethon) of Ascension Island, Ibis 103B: 124.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stonehouse, B., 1967, Penguins in high latitudes, Tuatara 15: 129.

    Google Scholar 

  • Swales, M. K., 1965, The sea-birds of Gough Island, Ibis 107: 17.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tickell, W. L. N., and Pinder, R., 1975, Breeding biology of the Black-browed Albatross Diomedea melanophris and Grey-headed Albatross D. chrysostoma at Bird Island, South Georgia, Ibis 117: 433.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tinbergen, N., 1952, “Derived activies,” their causation, biological significance, origin and emancipation during evolution, Q. Rev. Biol. 27:1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tinbergen, N., 1953, The Herring Gull’s World, Collins, London, 255 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tinbergen, N., 1959, Comparative studies of the behavior of gulls (Laridae): A progress report, Behaviour XV: 1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Trivers, R. L., 1972, Parental investment and sexual selection, in: Sexual Selection and the Descent of Man 1871–1971 ( B. Campbell, ed.), pp. 136–179, Aldine, Chicago.

    Google Scholar 

  • Trivers, R. L., and Hare, H., 1976, Haplodiploidy and the evolution of the social insects, Science 191: 249.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Trivers, R. L., and Willard, D. E., 1973, Natural selection of parental ability to vary the sex ratio of offspring, Science 179: 90.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tuck, L. M., 1961, The Murres, Vol. I, pp. 1–260, Canadian Wildlife Service, Ottawa.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Tets, G. F., 1965, A comparative study of some social communication patterns in the Pelicaniformes, Ornith. Monogr. 2: 1–88.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vermeer, K., 1963, The breeding ecology of the Glaucous-winged Gull (Larus glaucescens), on Mandarte Island, B. C., Occas. Pap. B.C. Prov. Mus. 13, 104 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vermeer, K., 1970, Breeding biology of California and Ring-billed Gulls, Can. Wildl. Serv. Rep. Ser. 12: 1–52.

    Google Scholar 

  • Verner, J., 1964, Evolution of polygamy in the long-billed marsh wren, Evolution 18: 252.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Verner, J., and Willson, M. F., 1966, The influence of habitat on mating systems of North American Passerine birds, Ecology 47: 143.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Waite, E. R., 1909, Vertebrata of the subantarctic islands of New Zealand, in Chiltow’s “Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand,” 2: 542–600.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ward, J. G., 1973, Reproductive success, food supply, and the evolution of clutch-size in the Glaucous-winged Gull, Ph.D. thesis, University of British Columbia, Vancouver.

    Google Scholar 

  • Warham, J., 1963, The Rockhopper Penguin, Eudyptes chrysocome, at Macquarie Island, Auk 80: 229.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Warham, J., 1971, Aspects of breeding behavior in the Royal Penguin Eudyptes chrysolophus schlegeli, Notornis 18: 91.

    Google Scholar 

  • Warham, J., 1975, The crested penguins, in: The Biology of Penguins ( B. Stonehouse, ed.), pp. 189–269, University Park Press, Baltimore, Md.

    Google Scholar 

  • Weatherhead, P. J., and Robertston, R. J., 1979, Offspring quality and the polygyny threshold: “The sexy son hypothesis,” Am. Nat. 113: 201.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wiley, R. H., 1974, Effects of delayed reproduction on survival, fecundity, and the rate of population increase, Am. Nat. 108: 705.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Williams, G. C., 1966, Adaptation and Natural Selection, Princeton University Press, Princeton, N.J., 307 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Williams, G. C., 1975, Sex and Evolution, Vol. 8, Princeton Monographs in Population Biology, Princeton University Press, Princeton, N.J., 200 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wittenberger, J. F., 1976, The ecological factors selecting for polygyny in birds, Am. Nat. 97: 405.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wittenberger, J. F., 1979, The evolution of mating systems in birds and mammals, in: Handbook of Behavioral Neurobiology: Social Behavior and Communication, Vol. 3 ( P. Marier and J. Vandenbergh, eds.), pp. 271–349, Plenum Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wittenberger, J. F., 1980, A model of delayed reproduction in iteroparus animals, Am. Natur. 114: 439.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wooller, R. D., and Coulson, J. C., 1977, Factors affecting the age of first breeding of the Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla, Ibis 119: 339.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wynne-Edwards, V. C., 1962, Animal Dispersion in Relation to Social Behavior, Oliver and Boyd, Edinburgh, 653 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yeates, G. W., 1975, Microclimate, climate and breeding success in Antarctic penguins, in: The Biology of Penguins ( B. Stonehouse, ed.), pp. 397–409, University Park Press, Baltimore, Md.

    Google Scholar 

  • Young, E. C., 1963, The breeding behavior of the South Polar Skua Catharacta maccormicki, Ibis 105: 203.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, California, 92717, USA

    George L. Hunt Jr.

Authors
  1. George L. Hunt Jr.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA

    Joanna Burger

  2. National Marine Fisheries Service, Highlands, New Jersey, USA

    Bori L. Olla

  3. University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA

    Howard E. Winn

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1980 Plenum Press, New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Hunt, G.L. (1980). Mate Selection and Mating Systems in Seabirds. In: Burger, J., Olla, B.L., Winn, H.E. (eds) Behavior of Marine Animals. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-2988-6_4

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-2988-6_4

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4684-2990-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4684-2988-6

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation