PhD defence Frigg Speelman

Livestream

Frigg Speelman (BPE)

Promotores: Prof. H.L. Dugdale, Prof. S.C. Griffith (Macquerie University), Prof. D.S. Richardson (University of East Anglia)

Socially monogamous partnerships in birds

Causes, consequences, and pair-bond strength

In socially monogamous species, the pair-bond is a central aspect of reproduction. I studied the causes and consequences of pair-bond maintenance and the strength of pair-bonds in two bird species. Using long-term data of Seychelles warblers, I studied the drivers and consequences of pair-bond maintenance and mate-switching. In chirruping wedgebills, I studied spatial pair cohesion using fine-scale automated tracking data during and after breeding, and tested whether precision and vocal coordination of duetting of partners is related to effective territorial displays. This thesis provides insights into the drivers of pair-bonds and benefits of behavioural coordination of partners in socially monogamous birds.

View thesis