Less is more, for female cowbirds: Findings contradict sexual selection theory
Friday, May 4, 2012 - 11:30
in Psychology & Sociology
More modest male displays attract the females when it comes to brown-headed cowbirds, contrary to sexual selection theory, according to new research. While sexual selection theory predicts that females should find more flamboyant displays the most sexually attractive, the opposite holds true for brown-headed cowbirds, a small songbird common in North America.