Mark–recapture and behavioral ecology:a case study of Cliff Swallows

摘要: Mark�recapture and behavioral ecology: a case study of Cliff Swallows.� the statistical analysis methods associated with it offer great potential for investigating fitness components associated with particular traits. However, few ecologists have used these techniques. We illustrate insights that come from long�term mark�recapture social behavior in Cliff Swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota). The number transient swallows passing through colony per hour increased size was responsible part increased rates ectoparasite introduction from outside group into larger colonies. Annual survival probabilities males engaging extra�pair copulation attempts were lower than those not seen to commit extra�pair copulations, suggesting that who engage this may be inferior individuals females do benefit from copulating them. Females intraspecific brood parasitism had higher annual survival probabilities ones either parasitized by others or known hosts parasites. This suggests parasitic are high�quality birds is an effective reproductive tactic increasing their fitness. By estimating first�year chicks, we found clutch of 4 eggs often most productive, on average, as measured recruitment offspring breeders, although laying more uncommon 5 fledge young average. This helps to explain observed clutch�size distribution which 4 commonly produced.