The social and behavioural dynamics of colony expansion in the Bell Miner (Manorina melanophrys)
Amanda J. Dare A C , Paul G. McDonald B and Michael F. Clarke AA Department of Zoology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic. 3086, Australia.
B Centre for the Integrative Study of Animal Behaviour, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: a.dare@latrobe.edu.au
Emu 108(2) 175-180 https://doi.org/10.1071/MU07014
Submitted: 19 February 2007 Accepted: 28 April 2008 Published: 20 June 2008
Abstract
Bell Miners (Manorina melanophrys) are cooperatively breeding honeyeaters that defend colonies from potential predators and competitors. Despite extensive study of the social organisation of Bell Miners, little is known about the social dynamics of expansion of colonies and establishment of new territories in this species. We took advantage of an individually marked, molecularly sexed and genotyped study population to examine the social dynamics of two extensions of the range of a colony. These observations indicated colonisation of new areas by colony members was accomplished via two different pathways, either the efforts of a breeding pair and its pre-existing contingent of helpers, or a group of unmated males. Only the former bred, with greater numbers of individuals related to the breeding pair acting as helpers in new areas initially. Most colonists were males that lacked a breeding position. Ultimately both expansions of the colony proved to be temporary, with colonists returning to their former home-ranges after six months.
Acknowledgements
The Melbourne Wildlife Sanctuary kindly allowed fieldwork to be undertaken on their land. We thank Luc te Marvelde, Maria Pacheco and Jonathan Wright for assistance with fieldwork. Anna Lashko, Mike Double and Andrew Cockburn provided facilities for and carried out the molecular analyses. Leg-bands were provided by the Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme. A. J. Dare was supported during this study by a La Trobe University Postgraduate Research Scholarship and grants from the Stuart Leslie Bird Research Award. P. G. McDonald and genetic analyses were funded under BBSRC grant (5/S19268) awarded to Jonathan Wright and the University of Wales, Bangor. This research was approved by the La Trobe University Animal Ethics Committee (licence AEC01/19(L)/V2) and the Department of Sustainability and Environment (licence 10002082).
Clarke, M. F. (1984). Co-operative breeding by the Australian Bell Miner Manorina melanophrys Latham: a test of kin selection theory. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 14, 137–146.
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