Significado funcional de la variabilidad de los patrones de moteado de los huevos del Parus major en Buunderkamp, Países Bajos

Abstract

Abstract: The function of mottled egg in passerine birds has been debated in recent years. In this study we assessed whether the quality of the female can define egg mottled and if the mottled egg have effect in the reproductive success of the great tit (Parus major). Additionally, we evaluated the relationship between the quality of the female and the reproductive success. The results show that the patterns of mottled egg affect significantly reproductive success, but are not related with the quality of the female. The quality of the female had a significant direct relationship with the reproductive success. In conclusion, patterns of mottled egg have an important effect on measures of reproductive success, while this effect is not associated with the measured variables of quality of the female which could imply a relationship of genetic disposition for egg spottiness not associated with the variables of size of the female.