Mate fidelity in a population of Island Canaries (Serinus canaria) in the Madeiran Archipelago

• Published in: Journal für Ornithologie 2003-01, Vol.144 (1), p.86-92
• Main Authors: Voigt, Cornelia, Leitner, Stefan, Gahr, Manfred
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Archipelagoes; Breeding seasons; DNA fingerprinting; Extra-pair paternity; Genetic factors; Genetic variability; Mate fidelity; Mate selection; Monogamy; Paternity; Population genetics; Serinus canaria
• ISSN: 0021-8375; 2193-7192; 1439-0361; 2193-7206
• DOI: 10.1007/BF02465520

SummaryPrevious studies have shown that extra-pair paternity occurs less frequently in island populations than in mainland populations. This is thought to be due mainly to the low genetic variability in island populations but non-genetic factors have also been discussed. Here we report the results of a parentage analysis in a population of island canaries (Serinus canaria) on a small uninhabited island in the Madeiran archipelago. Island canaries are socially monogamous, non-migratory seasonal breeders where biparental care is essential for offspring survival. Multilocus DNA-fingerprinting provided no evidence of extra-pair-paternity in 15 families comprising 45 juveniles. The band sharing coefficient for presumably unrelated breeding pairs was low (0.17 ± 0.03), an indication that genetic variability within the population is similar to most non-island populations of other species. Females did not seek extra-pair copulations and actively rejected sexual approaches from males other than their mate. We propose that female island canaries assess the quality of males during a perid outside the breeding season and optimise their mate choice according to learned preferences.