Abstract
Abstract ABSTRACT The provisioning of offspring is limited by resource abundance and is therefore likely to vary with habitat quality and the ability of parents to obtain food. Provisioning effort may also vary because males choose different life-history strategies depending on their rank and environment. Socially dominant males have higher costs of self-maintenance compared with subordinates, yet this is likely compensated for by their priority access to resources. It is unclear, however, whether this translates into benefits for females through male provisioning effort, and how this might vary with habitat suitability. We assessed patterns of body condition, blood hematocrit levels, and provisioning effort of dominant and subordinate male Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) breeding in two habitats known to differ in quality. Within ranks, males were similar in size and condition across habitats. Dominant males were not structurally larger than subordinates, but they were in better condition ...
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
