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- Smith, Henrik G., et al.
(author)
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Interclutch variation in egg size among starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) reflects female condition
- 1993
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In: Ornis Scandinavica. - : JSTOR. - 0030-5693. ; 24, s. 311-316
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Starlings show considerable variation in egg mass among clutches. Mean clutch egg mass was highly repeatable for females, but few characteristics of females were found to relate to egg mass. Egg mass related weakly to female age, but female age only explained a small part of the variation. Hatchling mass was strongly correlated with egg mass, but body mass at 14 d of age was unrelated to egg mass. Nestling tarsus length at the same age was related to mean egg mass in one, but not another, year. Egg mass had no effect on hatchability or fledging success, although there was some evidence that brood reduction was more severe among broods hatching from small eggs. Females that had laid larger eggs were in better condition during incubation thus suggesting that high quality females are able to lay larger eggs and to maintain higher body reserves during incubation. This was supported by the observation that females laying smaller eggs were more likely to abandon their nests during incubation.
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| 3. |
- Smith, Henrik G., et al.
(author)
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Intrasexual competition among polygynously mated female starlings (Sturnus vulgaris)
- 1994
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In: Behavioral Ecology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1045-2249 .- 1465-7279. ; 5, s. 57-63
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In southern Sweden, the starling (Sturnus vulgaris) has a variable mating system with some males mating monogamously and others attracting several females. Mating status affected the reproductive success of females: monogamous and primary females laid larger clutches and fledged more and heavier young than secondary females. This pattern was explained by female competition for male help, with the male primarily helping the offspring of highest value (i.e., the oldest brood). However, when the nesting attempt of the primary female failed, the success of the secondary female increased to the same level as that for primary and monogamous females. The success of the secondary female in terms of fledging success and fledgling size was higher when the secondary female hatched her eggs soon after the primary female. This was due to the fact that a male divided his effort between his broods when the age difference between broods was small
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