Gonadal cycles and the evolution of breeding seasons in British Columbidae

Abstract

The gonads of Wood‐pigeons in a Cambridgeshire study area attain peak reproductive condition in July and this condition persists until late September or early October when rapid regression takes place. Gametogenesis recommences in early March. In the same area the Stock‐dove has a similar cycle but gametogenesis begins about two months earlier and regression apparentlytakes place about one month later. A wild Rock‐dove population at Flamborough Head, Yorkshire has an even longer physiological breeding season, gametogenesis commencing from December. Seasonal regression occurs in October.