Female Site Fidelity and Polygyny in the Blackpoll Warbler (Dendroica Striata)

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Abstract
From 1980 to 1982, 8-30% of male Blackpoll Warblers (Dendroica striata) studied on Kent Island, New Brunswick, were bigamous each year (x̄ = 16.8%). I tested whether differences in the quality of the breeding situation can give rise to polygynous matings. Five territory parameters and two male parameters were used as measures of quality. Male arrival times were correlated with male mating status and the reproductive success of monogamous females. Territories of bigamous males had more large conifers than did those of monogamous males. Territory parameters did not appear to influence female choices. Strong site attachment by females may lead them to mate bigamously when few males are available early in the season near the females' former nest sites. The reproductive success of secondary females was not different from that of monogamous females. Any costs of mating bigamously may be offset by increased reproductive success associated with early nest initiation and competitive advantages conferred by site dominance. Site attachment and return patterns can account for the incidence of polygyny in this population, but probably could not give rise to high levels of polygyny or large harems. More information is needed to evaluate the influence of site fidelity on mating decisions of females in other polygynous passerine species.