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A necrophilic copulation by a Bridled Tern Onychoprion anaethetus
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

A necrophilic copulation by a Bridled Tern Onychoprion anaethetus

G. Fulton
Australian Field Ornithology, Vol.33, pp.235-236
2016
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Abstract

A Bridled Tern Onychoprion anaethetus was observed copulating with a deceased conspecific on an offshore island, Penguin Island, in south-western Australia. The copulation lasted for c. 30 seconds, in contrast with the usually 3-10 seconds observed in this species. This unusual copulation may simply be the result of a strong breeding drive present in colonially nesting Bridled Terns.

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