Males and females of the Greater White-fronted Goose (<em>Anser albifrons</em>) divide behavioural roles at a spring migratory stopover

Diana Polikarpova; Olga Babkina; Julia Loshchagina; Peter Glazov; Konstantin Litvin; Elmira Zaynagutdinova

doi:10.21638/spbu03.2024.204

Authors

Diana Polikarpova Saint Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya nab., 7–9, Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russian Federation https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3463-6587
Olga Babkina Saint Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya nab., 7–9, Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russian Federation https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4207-7255
Julia Loshchagina Institute of Geography, Russian Academy of Sciences, Staromonetniy per., 29, Moscow, 119017, Russian Federation https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8662-0723
Peter Glazov Institute of Geography, Russian Academy of Sciences, Staromonetniy per., 29, Moscow, 119017, Russian Federation https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3462-7031
Konstantin Litvin Bird Ringing Centre, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninskiy pr., 33, Moscow, 119071, Russian Federation https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2138-0000
Elmira Zaynagutdinova Saint Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya nab., 7–9, Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russian Federation https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0476-7383

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21638/spbu03.2024.204

Abstract

Geese form long-term pair bonds due to the constant need for cooperation between partners. During spring migration, mates are assumed to divide roles: females feed more intensively than males to accumulate nutrient reserves for clutch formation and incubation, while males spend more time on alert to protect females. However, some behaviours require synchronisation to increase reproductive success. We studied whether there were behavioural differences between mates in Greater White-fronted geese (Anser albifrons) during feeding at a migratory stopover. According to our results, females spent more time feeding, and males were more alert while females were feeding. Walking intensity was significantly correlated between partners. Preference to follow the mate and the manifestation of visual lateralization did not differ between sexes. These findings illustrate the division of roles between partners and the synchronization of their movements. Such behaviour allows partners to stay close to each other and provide support to the mate.

Keywords:

migration, grazing, feeding, reproduction, visual lateralization, time budget, following, feeding intensity, monogamy

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