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Ornithological Science
Abstract
Abstract
We observed three Sand Martin Riparia riparia repeatedly attempting to copulate with a dead bird lying face down on the ground, with its wings spread and lowered. One of the three remained on the ground close to the dead bird and guarded it against copulation from the other two birds. Then, the guarding bird itself attempted to copulate with the dead bird. Based on subsequent dissection the dead Sand Martin was identified as an adult male. Based on our observations, we propose that the observed homosexual necrophilia may be partly explained by the absence of sexual dimorphism in this species and the posture of the dead martin. We suggest that posture is an important trigger arousing male sex drive in a sexually monomorphic species.
We would like to thank T. Hiraoka for providing informative references regarding necrophilia in birds, and greatly appreciate the critical and helpful input of M. Takagi (editor), and two anonymous reviewers. We also thank R. Iwami and M. A. Brazil for improving the English used in the manuscript. This study was partly supported by a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (Specially Designated Research Promotion) from the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture.
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