Aspects of Courtship and Parental Care of the European Robin Erithacus rubecula

Abstract

Aspects of courtship behavior and parental care in the European robin were studied during the 1978-1979 breeding seasons. Courtship feeding probably serves a nutritional role, particularly during incubation. Female robins with high rates of contact calls produce larger clutches than females with low rates of contact calling. Males reduce their mates reproductive costs by providing a large proportion of the food required by nestlings during 1st and successive broods, and by tending fledglings from 1st broods. During the fledgling period young contact call at a constant rate, but parents operate a mean strategy by apparently feeding at a predetermined rate. Two consort males failed to feed or defend adopted young.