Darwinian theory of sexual selection and its development up to the present state
of knowledge are sketched. The most important results of empirical studies on sexual selection
in the Swallow Hirundo rustica are reviewed. The Swallow is a socially monogamous, slightly
sexually dimorphic avian species. Long tail streamers are considered as sexual ornaments of
males. Female preference for long and symmetric male tails has been inferred on both
observational and experimental grounds. Experimental elongation of the tail causes short-term
benefits and long-term costs in male reproductive performance. Behavioural consequences of
sexual selection acting in the Swallow are discussed. An aerodynamic role of male tail
streamers is also considered.Zadanie pt. „Digitalizacja i udostępnienie w Cyfrowym Repozytorium Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego kolekcji czasopism naukowych wydawanych przez Uniwersytet Łódzki” nr 885/P-DUN/2014 dofinansowane zostało ze środków MNiSW w ramach działalności upowszechniającej naukę
