Bower visitation patterns of resident and subordinate male Spotted Bowerbirds (Chlamydera maculata) via GPS tracking

The spatial behaviour of subordinate males in lekking and other polygynous species remains poorly understood, despite its potential importance in shaping dynamics of same-sex competition and future territory acquisition. In this study, we investigated whether resident and subordinate male Spotted Bowerbirds (Chlamydera maculata) differ in their movement patterns. We used a long-term dataset derived from GPS tracking of male bowerbirds across multiple years. We found subordinate males to maintain larger, less stable home ranges across years and to visit more bowers than residents. Subordinates also overlapped with other males' home ranges more than resident bower owners, which is consistent with roaming and territorial behaviour, respectively. Interestingly, resident males also retained a degree of site fidelity outside the breeding season. Moreover, contrary to our prediction, subordinate males did not reduce their ranges and restrict their visitation patterns over time within the same area. By addressing a critical gap in our understanding of subordinate behaviour, this research contributes to broader discussions about alternative reproductive tactics and the development of territoriality in non-resource-based polygynous mating systems.

Max-Planck-Institut für biologische Intelligenz
Universität Wien