Behavioural analysis of Village Weavers Ploceus cucullatus in an Ethiopian breeding colony during early incubation: 2. Males

Abstract

We observed a colony of Village Weavers Ploceus cucullatus in Ethiopia at the height of the breeding season to assess variation and relationships amongst male behaviours. Individuals spent most of their time on behaviours functioning in acquiring and retaining mates, and invested more time in female choice (i.e. nestbuilding and display) compared with male competition (i.e. territory defence and stealing nest material). Males exhibited a tradeoff between competing with other males and attending to or building nests. Stealing nest materials functioned as sabotage rather than for nestbuilding. Tradeoffs were also evident between interacting with females and both constructing nests and leaving the colony to forage. Males left the colony frequently, but only stayed away long when gathering nest materials. As individual males acquired more mates, they visited their nests more often but shifted away from building nests and towards defending them. Individuals differed markedly in their behavioural patterns, but variation was continuous.