Communal polyandry in Moustached Warbler: features of bird behaviour. -
P.V. Kvartalnov. - Berkut. 11 (2). 2002. - P. 208-214.
Probable case of communal polyandry was discovered in Moustached Warbler (Acrocephalus
melanopogon albiventris) population at the South of Russia. At the territory
of paired male appeared the satellite male. He took part in pursuits of female
that finished by copulations of the female with one of the males. During egg
laying period both males were regularly seen near the nest; the owner male showed
distinct dominant poses towards the satellite male when the latter tried to
approach to his mate (Fig.). Only the owner male fed the female during incubation
period, shared part in incubation and brooding. Both males fed chicks. The aid
of males in guarding the nest seemed to be ineffective. [Russian].
Key words: Moustached Warbler, Acrocephalus melanopogon, behaviour,
breeding, polyandry.
Address: P.V. Kvartalnov, Moscow University, biological department, Vorobievy
gory, 119889 Moscow, Russia; e-mail: cettia@yandex.ru.
