Love thine enemy?

Bruno J. Ens ()
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Bruno J. Ens: Bruno J. Ens is at the Institute of Forestry and Nature Research (IBN-DLO)

Nature, 1998, vol. 391, issue 6668, 635-637

Abstract: Oystercatchers are socially and sexually monogamous birds, but a new study reflects another side to their lifestyle. Occasionally, an usurping female will try to break up a pair, and, after fighting with the resident female, she may stay to form a polygynous trio. The male is mated by both females, and they cooperate to defend their territory and raise a brood. Although polygyny is very rare in oystercatchers, the authors suggest that both females benefit in terms of elevated social status.

Date: 1998
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DOI: 10.1038/35497

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