Dynamics and individual consistency of courtship-feeding in wild toutouwai (Petroica longipes)

Abstract

In many species of birds, the male feeds his partner during courtship. It is hypothesised that courtship-feeding may nutritionally benefit females, strengthen pair-bonds, and/or signal male quality. Here we explore the dynamics and repeatability of courtship-feeding decisions in wild toutouwai (North Island robin, Petroica longipes), using data collected over three breeding seasons. We experimentally provisioned males and found that they were more likely to share in trials closer to incubation onset and when their mate vocalised. Males were consistent in their courtship-feeding decisions, as the proportion of food-items they shared was repeatable within breeding seasons. Males were also repeatable in the proportion of food-items they shared between breeding seasons, but only when paired to the same female. Our results suggest that male toutouwai courtship-feeding decisions are largely driven by female nutritional need. Moreover, if the consistent interindividual variation we found in male courtship generosity in our experiment is correlated with natural courtship behaviour, then courtship feeding could reliably signal a male’s quality as reproductive partner.