Sex differences in aggressive behavior in zebra finches (Poephila guttata).

Aggressive behavior between pairs of female or male zebra finches (Poephila guttata) was measured before, during, and after presentation of either a female or male finch (the stimulus) in an adjacent cage. Presentation of the stimuli led to marked increases in aggressive behavior for both sexes of Ss, such that presentation of a female stimulus caused an elevation in aggression in male pairs and presentation of a male stimulus caused an elevation in female pairs. These results are interpreted in the context of competition for mates in species, such as zebra finches, that have long-term monogamous pair bonds and biparental care. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)