Endocrine correlates of territoriality, breeding stage, and body molt in free-living willow ptarmigan of both sexes

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Abstract
Concentrations of plasma testosterone, estradiol, corticosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured by radioimmunoassay in wild willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) of both sexes over the breeding season. In males, plasma concentrations of testosterone and LH increased once they became territorial, and this was paralleled by increases in comb size and initiation of molt into courtship plumage. A decline of testosterone and circulating LH levels during late territoriality and egg laying coincided with molt into summer plumage. FSH titers did not vary significantly through the season, but there was a trend for higher levels during the territorial period. Plasma concentrations of corticosterone were highest during pre- and late territoriality and brood rearing. In females, testosterone levels were about 13 times lower than in males and did not vary significantly, whereas LH was high from pre- to mid-territoriality and again in the brood season. Elevated LH levels may be correlated with aggressive behaviour in females. FSH and estradiol concentrations were highest during the period of egg formation. Corticosterone was correlated with chase time in both sexes.