THE MATING STRATEGIES OF EASTERN SCREECH-OWLS - A GENETIC-ANALYSIS

We used genetic analysis to examine the mating strategies of male and female Eastern Screech-Owls (Otus asio) in central Kentucky. DNA finge rprinting revealed no evidence of extra-pair fertilizations in 23 broo ds (80 nestlings). Such results suggest that pursuit of extra-pair cop ulations by male and female screech-owls may be costly. One possible c ost for females is the risk of losing the nest site. Alternatively, pu rsuit of extra-pair matings by females might be energetically expensiv e, thereby conflicting with egg production. Male screech-owls provide food for their mate (and young) during much of the breeding season and such feeding probably affects reproductive success. Males pursuing EP Cs might have less time for foraging and, as a result, reduced reprodu ctive success.