It's the basic animal instinct to seek out the best father for "your child" whether you be human, animal or bird.

Of course, the best may be the loudest, showiest, most testosterone fuelled alpha male in the pack, thus increasing your likelihood of having a prospective alpha male or it may be the one that human judgement deems is least likely to abandon, beat or ill treat the offspring. If a female has had a bad experience with an alpha male, she may pair off with one of the beta males just for a bit of comfort and security because her judgment tells her he is less likely to be a prick.

LTS