Pair formation and reproductive output in domestic pigeons.

Mate selection is a conceivable mechanism whereby an animal could increase its reproductive success. The present study investigates the relationship between mate selection and reproductive output in domestic pigeons. Pairs allowed to form spontaneously, in a situation permitting a certain degree of choice, were compared with pairs randomly assigned to each other. The prediction was that spontaneously formed pairs should on average achieve a better reproductive output than pairs randomly formed. In a reproduction test the spontaneously formed pairs began egglaying earlier, laid a greater number of eggs and had a larger number of fertilized eggs. It is suggested that the difference between the groups affected such important reproductive variables that it could have a substantial effect on the birds reproductive success.