Effects of Radio-Tagging on Breeding Behavior of Mourning Doves

Abstract

Cooing rates of captive unmated male mourning doves (Zenaida macroura) decreased markedly during a 2-day adjustment period following radio-tagging. In 4 of 7 experimental trials, cooing rates returned to previous levels by the 3rd day. In the other 3 trials cooing rates remained low, but dominance problems related to penning may have been a factor. In 4 of 6 experimental trials, captive radio-tagged males successfully paired with introduced females and began nesting. In the wild, 2 of 5 unmated radiotagged males successfully paired. Cooing rates of free-flying unmated radio-tagged males were comparable to those of back-tagged males in previous studies (8.7 vs. 8.2-8.9 coos/3 min). Based on 12 experimental trials and observations of 24 free-flying radio-tagged doves (both sexes), radio-tagging did not adversely affect previously established pair bonds. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 45(2):428-434 Radiotelemetry has been used extensively in avian research, but few thorough evaluations of effects of radio packages on behavior have been made. Inferences usually are drawn from field observations, although some have been based on controlled experiments; reported effects varied greatly with the species studied. Major studies include Ramakka's (1972) findings that radio-tagging resulted in reduced courtship and atypical breeding behavior in male woodcock (Philohela minor). In controlled experiments, captive red grouse (Lagopus 1. scoticus) consumed less food and were less active following radio-tagging (Boag 1972); however, breeding performance was not affected if radio packages were attached late in incubation (Lance and Watson 1977). Female willow grouse (L. 1. lagopus) adapted to the radio package and incubated and hatched their eggs normally (Erikstad 1979). In an experimental study, Greenwood and Sargeant (1973) observed that radio-tagged mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and bluewinged teal (A. discors) preened more than controls and exhibited a partial aversion to swimming. However, Gilmer et al. (1974) believed that social and breeding behaviors of instrumented mallards and wood ducks (Aix sponsa) were not adversely affected by radio packages. This study evaluated the effects of radio-tagging on the breeding behavior of mourning doves based upon controlled experiments with penned birds and observations of free-flying radio-tagged doves. We thank M. A. Parker and L. L. Wollard for technical aid; S. S. Clark, E. K. Fritzell, and F. B. Samson for editorial suggestions; and K. C. Sadler for advice and administrative support. METHODS AND MATERIALS Pen studies were conducted from May to August 1976-78. Three experiments 1Contribution from the Missouri Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wildlife Management Institute, Missouri Department of Conservation, and University of Missouri, cooperating). Research was funded by the Accelerated Research Program for Migratory Shore and Upland Game Birds, Contract USDI 14-160008-2091, administered by the Missouri Department of Conservation through agreement with the University of Missouri. Work was supported in part by Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station Projects 182 and 184; this is Journal Series paper 8441. 428 J. Wildl. Manage. 45(2):1981 This content downloaded from 207.46.13.112 on Mon, 03 Oct 2016 05:08:23 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms RADIO-TAGGING BREEDING MOURNING DOVES* Sayre et al. 429 were designed to evaluate behavioral effects associated with radio-tagging during different stages of pairing or nesting.