AN OBSERVATION OF RECIPROCAL MOUNTING BY THE SPOT-WINGED PIGEON PATAGIOENAS MACULOSA

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58843/ornneo.v34i2.1205

Keywords:

Columbidae, Courtship, Pseudo Copulation, Reverse Mounting, Copulatory behavior

Abstract

Reciprocal mounting, involving heterosexual or same-sex individuals, is a widespread but under-reported behaviour in birds. It is generally accepted that it is an integral part of heterosexual courtship in some bird species, and that it may provide a mechanism to reinforce non-aggressive relationships through homosexual interactions. Here, I report an observation of reciprocal mounting by two Spot-winged Pigeons Patagioenas maculosa, in the city of Córdoba, Argentina. Since Spot-winged Pigeons are monomorphic, it was not possible to conclude whether mounting occurred between heterosexual or homosexual individuals of the pair. Considering that elements of the copulatory sequence of the pair are frequent in the courtship repertoire and mating displays of columbids, it is argued that female-male mounting occurred rather than same-sex mounting. Uncertainty regarding the assignment of sexes emphasizes the need for attention to possible homosexual interactions in birds, which is an important issue considering the current views of homosexuality in animals.

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Published

13-11-2023

Issue

Vol. 34 No. 2 (2023)

Section

Short Communications

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Copyright (c) 2023 Carlos Bosque

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