Mate-selection behaviour and sampling stragegies in geese

Mate selection strategies in the monogamous barnacle goose, Branta leucopsis, were investigated. Geese were found to make 'trial liaisons' with from one to six possible mates, with heavier and more vigilant females having a greater number of trial mates. Two strategies appear to be used; 'one-step decisions' in which the bird moves to a new partner after rejecting an earlier, and 'partner-held' where a mate is retained while a new one is sampled. Females appear to prefer the first strategy, males the second. The 'partner-held' and early pairing would appear to offer advantages.