Effects of stimuli emanating from the nest on the reproductive cycle in the ring dove. III: building in the postlaying period and effects on the success of the cycle

Effects of stimuli emanating from the nest on the reproductive cycle in the ring dove. I: pre-laying behaviour

The course of several behavioural patterns could be influenced by controlling the state of the nest available to a pair of ring doves (Streptopelia risoria). These patterns were: wing-flipping, handling of nesting material, nest bowl occupancy, and nervous activities. In groups having to build nests, the onset of wing-flipping by the female occurred at a predictable time before egg-laying. It is argued that during nest-building a female influences the male to carry material to her by sitting in the nest bowl and wing-flipping. In pairs provided with a completed nest, the course of the pre-laying cycle was changed and the 'typical' sex roles did not emerge. The relationships between the male and female are discussed.

Effects of stimuli emanating from the nest on the reproductive cycle in the ring dove. II: building during the pre-laying period

The nest is a major focal point of the reproductive cycle in the ring dove (Streptopelia risoria). This study shows that the state of the nest is an important determinant of the type of nest-building exhibited. For example, birds faced with an empty nest bowl every day removed more material from dispensers and built more actively than did those allowed to construct nests normally. Conversely, those given completed nests were not very active, but were more efficient in using the little they removed from the dispensers and showed a reversal of sex roles in building. The relations between nest-building and egg-laying, and between male and the female are discussed.