Journal article
Low levels of extra-pair paternity in southern emu-wrens (Aves:Maluridae)
GS Maguire, RA Mulder
Australian Journal of Zoology | CSIRO PUBLISHING | Published : 2008
DOI: 10.1071/ZO08047
Abstract
The frequency of extra-pair paternity (EPP) among birds varies considerably, with the highest rates (56-76%) reported in several species of fairy-wren (Maluridae). According to the 'constrained female' hypothesis, such high frequencies arise when females are emancipated from constraints on mate choice because they have access to alternative sources of parental care (cooperative breeding). We investigated the genetic mating system of a close relative of the fairy-wrens within the Maluridae, the southern emu-wren (Stipiturus malachurus). Southern emu-wrens share several life-history attributes with the fairy-wrens, but show relatively low levels of cooperation, providing an opportunity to asse..
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Funding Acknowledgements
We thank Josh van Buskirk, Peter Dunn, Mark Elgar and Linda Whittingham for comments on the manuscript. We also thank Greg Adcock, Patrick Jean Guay and Wouter van Dongen for assistance in the laboratory. The assistance of Khalid Al-Dabbagh, Adam Wargon, Richard Parker, Elisa Martinez and many other field assistants is gratefully acknowledged. This research was supported by grants from Portland Aluminium, the Stuart Leslie Bird Research Award (Birds Australia), the Department of Zoology (University of Melbourne), the Norman Wettenhall Foundation, the Bird Observers Club of Australia (BOCA) and The David Hay Memorial Fund. Blood samples were collected under Animal Experimentation and Ethics Committee Register 00055 and permit 10001755 from the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria.