A necrophilic copulation by a Bridled Tern Onychoprion anaethetus

Graham R. Fulton
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.


References


Ainley, D.G. (1978). Activity patterns and social behavior of non-breeding Adelie penguins. Condor 80, 138–146.

Dale S. (2001). Necrophilic behaviour, corpses as nuclei for resting flock formation, and road-kills of Sand Martins Riparia riparia. Ardea 89, 545–547.

Fulton, G.R. (2010a). Non-aggressive response by Bottlenose Dolphin to fish-theft by a Silver Gull. Australian Field Ornithology 27, 85–86.

Fulton, G.R. (2010b). Attempted kleptoparasitism by a Crested Tern on a Pied Cormorant at Warnbro Sound, south-western Australia. Australian Field Ornithology 27, 81–84.

Fulton, G.R. (2014). Observations of hunting behaviour in an urban predator: the domestic Dog Canis familiaris. Australian Zoologist 37, 102–104.

Fulton, G.R. (2015). Nankeen Kestrel preys upon Western Bearded Dragon. Australian Field Ornithology 32, 187–189.

Garavanta, C.A.M. & Wooller, R.D. (2000). Courtship behaviour and breeding biology of Bridled Terns Sterna anaethetus on Penguin Island, Western Australia. Emu 100, 169–174.

Hulsman, K. & Langham, N.P.E. (1985). Breeding biology of the Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus. Emu 85, 240–249.

Libois, R.M. (1984). Observation d’une hirondelle (Hirundo rustica) necrophile. Aves 21, 57.

Marchant, S. & Higgins, P.J. (Eds) (1990). Handbook of Australian, New Zealand & Antarctic Birds, Volume 1: Ratites to Ducks. Oxford University Press, Melbourne.

Moeliker, C.W. (2001). The first case homosexual necrophilia in the mallard. Anas platyrynchos. Deinsea 8, 243–247.

Russell, D.G., Sladen, W.J. & Ainley, D.G. (2012). Dr. George Murray Levick (1876–1956): Unpublished notes on the sexual habits of the Adélie penguin. Polar Record 48, 387–393.

Ryan, P. (2008). Dead sexy: Road mortality and necrophilia in Namib larks. Africa Birds and Birding 13, 15.