THE RELIEF AT THE NEST IN FREE-LIVING LAUGHING DOVE (STREPTOPELIA-SENEGALENSIS) DURING INCUBATION

The relief at the nest between the partners takes place twice a day: once from female to male in the morning empty set = 4 h 11 +/-5 min (n = 132) after sunrise and once from male to female in the late afternoon empty set = 2 h 06 +/-3 min (n = 160) before sunset. The first calls to the relief are mostly given by males. During the relief ceremonies males bow down their heads and front bodies more than females. By bowing they probably demonstrate their peaceful intention to the females.