Investigators have found that some couples gradually go away after the end of mating.
O chapim-real It has a particularity. It is not the face mask, the black necklace or white faces: in this case is the… divorce.
A recent shows that the Chapim-Real, this native bird of Europe, has a habit of “taking time” to its partner. He moves away from his partner, knowing he can return.
After mating, some bird couples seem to separate, while others continue together during the winter so they can reproduce together next season.
For those who separate, investigators even say that a divorce is at stake.
The group of scientists used small radio transmitters to track the behavior of Chapim-Real-which is seen as a species monogamous. It was three years of observations.
The “honeymoon” begins in spring when couples come together to mate. The male is responsible for feeding the female while she shocks eggs; The two participate in the feeding of the children after birth. When children learn to fly, the cycle will only be repeated next season.
During this time, the investigators were aware of the number of times the birds visited feeders installed in the woods. Many peers continued to go to the feeders together, but other couples seemed to be away.
“These birds that divorce, from the beginning they are already associating less with the feeders, than the faithful birds. And this only increases as winter advances. I think we are increasingly understanding to what extent social behavior influences the life of animals”Explains Adelaide Daisy Abraham, co -author of the study, in an interview with.
During the winter, the newly solid chapins Looking for new partners over the colder months “But it doesn’t say they will continue with that new partner when the spring arrives.” Many separate again in late winter.
The whole pack can simply relax randomly to the time of forming pairs in the spring. Or another scenario may happen: former parcelers continue to reproduce during winter and then quickly find a partner when time begins to warm up.
That is, as it happens among humans, there is Signs of distancing that may arise before a separation.
A Socialization makes a difference – And it’s not just for people.
“In fact, there is much more to happen in those bird flocks outside your window than you think,” concludes Adelaide Daisy Abraham.
