Endocrine correlates of mate choice and promiscuity in females of a socially monogamous avian mating system with alternative male reproductive phenotypes

摘要: While our understanding of male reproductive strategies is informed by extensive investigations into endocrine mechanisms, the proximate mechanisms which females compete for mates and adjust reproduction to social environment re- mains enigmatic. We set out uncover correlates mate choice, environment, investment in female red-backed fairy-wrens Malurus melanocephalus. In this socially monogamous, yet highly sexually promiscuous species, experience discrete variation phenotype their mates, vary both plumage signals level paternal care, composition breeding groups, consist either pair alone or with an additional cooperative auxiliary; varies according these parameters. found that androgen, estrogen, glucorticoid lev- els varied stage, highest androgen estrogen concentrations during nest construction corti- costerone pre-breeding stage. These stage-dependent patterns did not aux- iliary presence, though levels selection were lower obtaining red/black than those brown mates. no evidence corticosterone fertile period related extra-pair young (EPY) frequency. This study demonstrates clear changes steroid it little support environment. suggest hormonal responsiveness factors may be physiologically constrained ways are bypassed through exogenous hormone manipulations (Current Zoology 60 (6): 804- 815, 2014).