Mating Strategy of the Saltmarsh Sparrow

In the tidal marshes of the East Coast, the Saltmarsh Sparrow has a breeding strategy described by scientists as featuring an “obligate, promiscuous, and bond-free relationship between males and females.” That means both sexes copulate with multiple individuals, without a lasting relationship. The female is singularly responsible for nesting and hatching and drives off males that approach while she is raising her young.

More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. 

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