A necrophilic copulation by a Bridled Tern Onychoprion anaethetus

Fulton, G. (2016) A necrophilic copulation by a Bridled Tern Onychoprion anaethetus. Australian Field Ornithology, 33 . pp. 235-236.

Abstract

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.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Murdoch Affiliation:	School of Veterinary and Life Sciences
Publisher:	Bird Observers Club of Australia (BOCA)
Copyright:	© 2016, Bird Observers Club of Australia (BOCA).
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/35807

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