Female Java sparrows prefer high exploratory males without assortative mating

Abstract

A major challenge in behavior and evolutionary ecology is to understand the evolution and maintenance of animal personality. Theory suggests that females can benefit by choosing a high-quality mate, but largely ignores the potential interaction between male and female personality during mate choice. Here, we examined the influence of exploration on mate choice by captive female Java sparrows (Lonchura oryzivora). Females preferred high exploratory males as mates rather than choosing mates according to their own exploration, and thus showed no assortative mating. Our results highlight the role of exploration of males in the mate preference of birds and suggest that mate compatibility plays minor role in the mate preference.