What Is Lek Mating Ritual In Birds
By: NDTVNewsDesk
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A lek is a mating ritual where male birds gather in a communal area to perform elaborate courtship displays.
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These courtship behaviours include dancing and vocalising to attract females.
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These displays are not for food or shelter, but a way for males to compete for mating rights.
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Only a few males are successful in these displays, while the majority do not mate.
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Females visit the lek to observe the males' performances and choose a mate based on these displays.
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Females do not form long-lasting pair bonds with the males and leave the lek after mating.
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The lek system is a powerful driver of sexual selection, as it allows for the direct comparison of males.
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Birds like black grouse, great bustards, kakapos, and birds of paradise are known to perform lek mating.
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