Data from: Male risk-taking is related to number of mates in a polygynous bird.

Evolutionary theory predicts that when intrasexual competition is intense,
risky behaviors can evolve if they enhance reproductive success. Here we
tested the idea that polygynous males exhibit predictable variation in
risk-taking during intense competition for mates. We conducted an
observational study of a village weaverbird (Ploceus cucullatus) breeding
colony, and video recorded synchronous fleeing events, a common predator
avoidance behavior. Males adjusted their flight from the colony according
to the amplitude (loudness) and Wiener entropy (harshness) of conspecific
alarm calls during a perceived threat. Males also varied in how often they
fled the colony. Specifically, in line with predictions based on the value
of a male’s territory, males with more nesting females were less likely to
flee, and returned sooner if they did flee, compared to males with fewer
nesting females. Males with a nest under construction also returned to
their nests sooner than males without constructions in progress,
consistent with predictions based on nest sabotage by conspecifics. These
results suggest that male weavers perform a cost-benefit analysis in real
time in order to decide how to respond to a perceived threat, with
self-protection trading off with the security of one’s territory and
mates.