Speed-Dating for Birds Reveals Zebra Finches Fall in Love Like Humans

Humans aren't the only ones who can fall in love. Scientists have found that other species can fall in love, as well. A new cost/benefit analysis of love reveals a bit more about why we're so choosy when it comes to finding a companion.

In this latest study, the researchers took advantage of the fact that zebra finches share many characteristics with humans. For example, these birds mate monogamously for life and share the burden of parental care. In addition, female finches choose mates in a way that is specific to the individual, and there is very little consensus among females as to who the "cutest" male is.

In this study, the researchers examined a population of 160 birds. Among these birds, the scientists set up a "speed-dating" session, leaving groups of 20 females to choose freely between 20 males. Once the birds had paired off, half of the couples were allowed to continue being paired. However, the scientists split the other half of the couples up and forcibly paired them with other broken-up individuals.

The researchers then observed the couples in aviaries, examining their behavior and number of offspring.

So what did they find? It turns out that the final number of surviving chicks was 37 percent higher for individuals in chosen pairs than those in non-chosen pairs. The nests of non-chosen pairs had almost three times as many unfertilized eggs as the chosen ones, a greater number of eggs were either buried or lost, and markedly more chicks died after hatching.

While the non-chosen males paid the same amount of attention to their mates, the non-chosen females were far less receptive to their advances, and tended to copulate less often. In addition, non-chosen couples were generally less lovey-dovey than the chosen ones.

The findings reveal that when it comes to choosing a match, picky behavior can have its merits. By choosing the right mate, females are more likely to be more successful in breeding.

The findings are published in the journal PLOS Biology.

Related Stories

Sound: Mice Sing for Love

Sex is Better for Couples with More Egalitarian Relationships

For more great science stories and general news, please visit our sister site, Headlines and Global News (HNGN).