A necrophilic copulation by a Bridled Tern Onychoprion anaethetus
A Bridled Tern Onychoprion anaethetus was observed copulating with a deceased conspecific on an offshore island, Penguin Island, in south-western Australia. The copulation lasted for c. 30 seconds, in contrast with the usually 3-10 seconds observed in this species. This unusual copulation may simply...
| Published in: | Australian Field Ornithology |
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| Main Author: | |
| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | English |
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Bird Observers Club of Australia (BOCA)
2016
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.20938/afo33235236 https://researchportal.murdoch.edu.au/esploro/outputs/journalArticle/A-necrophilic-copulation-by-a-Bridled/991005541176407891 https://researchportal.murdoch.edu.au/view/delivery/61MUN_INST/12135441920007891/13136966910007891 |
| Summary: | A Bridled Tern Onychoprion anaethetus was observed copulating with a deceased conspecific on an offshore island, Penguin Island, in south-western Australia. The copulation lasted for c. 30 seconds, in contrast with the usually 3-10 seconds observed in this species. This unusual copulation may simply be the result of a strong breeding drive present in colonially nesting Bridled Terns. |
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