VIGILANCE BEHAVIOR IN THE HARLEQUIN DUCK (HISTRIONICUS HISTRIONICUS) DURING THE PREINCUBATION PERIOD IN LABRADOR: ARE MALES VIGILANT FOR SELF OR SOCIAL PARTNER?

Abstract

Abstract Males of several avian species are more vigilant than their female partners, particularly during the preincubation period. Male vigilance may function as a deterrent of extrapair copulation attempts (EPCs) or to ensure male survival, because males of sexually dimorphic species may be more conspicuous to predators than females. However, vigilant males may act as antipredator sentinels to enhance female survivorship, which may also allow females to feed and rest more efficiently, thereby enhancing their ability to form clutches. We attempted to distinguish between the “male benefits” and “female benefits” hypotheses by studying the behavior of unpaired males and paired Harlequin Ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) during the preincubation period. Paired males were, on average, four times more vigilant than unpaired males and their mates, which suggests that elevated levels of vigilance by paired males does not function primarily for self-protection against predators. Males were not more vigilant duri...