Effects of stimuli emanating from the nest on the reproductive cycle in the ring dove. II: building during the pre-laying period.

The nest is a major focal point of the reproductive cycle in the ring dove (Streptopelia risoria). This study shows that the state of the nest is an important determinant of the type of nest-building exhibited. For example, birds faced with an empty nest bowl every day removed more material from dispensers and built more actively than did those allowed to construct nests normally. Conversely, those given completed nests were not very active, but were more efficient in using the little they removed from the dispensers and showed a reversal of sex roles in building. The relations between nest-building and egg-laying, and between male and the female are discussed.