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Similarities in expression of territorial aggression in breeding pairs of northern cardinals, Cardinalis cardinalis

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Abstract

Avian pairs that defend resources year-round may demonstrate similar territorial behavior. We examined male and female responses of northern cardinal pairs to male simulated territorial intrusions. Pair members demonstrated comparable responses towards a male ‘intruder’, as latency to respond and proximity scores were very similar between pair members in the majority of pairs examined. Similarity in territorial behavior could be important in cardinal pairs for maintaining year-round resources.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Aaron Holbrook, Meg Waraczynski, and Emilia Martins for assistance as well as two reviewers for providing valuable feedback on an earlier version of this work. Funding provided by an Animal Behavior Society Student Research Grant (MSD). All applicable international, national, and/or institutional guidelines for the care and use of animals were followed (USFWS Banding Permit #23479, Mississippi Scientific Collecting Permit #020110,1 and IACUC protocol #11092214).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, 39406, USA

    M. Susan DeVries, Caitlin P. Winters & Jodie M. Jawor

  2. Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Whitewater, WI, 53190, USA

    M. Susan DeVries

  3. Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, 88003, USA

    Jodie M. Jawor

Authors
  1. M. Susan DeVries
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  2. Caitlin P. Winters
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  3. Jodie M. Jawor
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Correspondence to M. Susan DeVries.

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DeVries, M.S., Winters, C.P. & Jawor, J.M. Similarities in expression of territorial aggression in breeding pairs of northern cardinals, Cardinalis cardinalis. J Ethol 38, 377–382 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10164-020-00659-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10164-020-00659-x

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