Reproductive endocrinology of tropical seabirds:: Sex-specific patterns in LH, steroids, and prolactin secretion in relation to parental care

Plasma levels of luteinizing hormone, prolactin, testosterone, and progesterone were measured throughout breeding in masked boobies, red-footed boobies, and red-tailed tropicbirds at Europa and Tromelin Islands (Indian Ocean). LH secretion showed a dampened pattern in the three species, particularly in tropicbirds. Such specific differences may be related to the less elaborate courtship displays in tropicbirds. Testosterone levels were very low throughout breeding in all three species, particularly in boobies. Low testosterone values in boobies may be related to their year-round attendance at the colony. Prolactin secretion increased from the prelaying period until the incubation and brooding periods and declined thereafter in boobies but stayed relatively unchanged throughout the breeding cycle in tropicbirds. The relatively constant prolactin secretion in the more pelagic tropicbirds might allow them to undertake parental care despite long absences at sea. Boobies perform postfledging care with basal prolactin levels. For all species, females always have higher prolactin levels than males. This hormonal dimorphism, being more pronounced in boobies, may be associated with differences in parental care between mates. (C) 2000 Academic Press.