Polyterritoriality and the first record of polygyny in the Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva in a primeval forest

Abstract

Territoriality in Red-breasted Flycatchers was studied in the Białowieża Forest of Eastern Poland during five consecutive breeding seasons (2000-2004). In total 99 males were individually marked, and evidence of polyterritoriality was found in 10% of them. The proportion of polyterritorial males varied from 0% (in 2003) to 13.6% (in 2001). The mean distance between the first and second territories was 278 m (± 179.37, n = 10). The rate of polyterritoriality was not related to age class, as older males defended dual territories that were, on average, not more distantly separated than those of younger males. One case of polygyny was recorded. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence for polyteritoriality and polygyny in male Red-breasted Flycatchers.