Temporal Flexibility in Avian Reproduction

Abstract

many opportunists are not qualitatively, only quantitatively, different from many seasonal breeders. Our examples of flexible seasonal breeders are in many respects remarkably similar to classic opportunists. One of the most profound differences among species may be in type of refractoriness such that the most flexible breeders tend either to develop only relative refractoriness, or no refractoriness at all, whereas less flexible species become absolutely refractory.