Alula size signals male condition and predicts reproductive performance in an Arctic-breeding passerine
Author ORCID Identifier
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8235-6411 : Oliver Love
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Journal of Avian Biology
Publication Date
6-1-2013
Volume
44
Issue
3
First Page
209
Last Page
215
DOI
10.1111/j.1600-048X.2012.05817.x
ISSN
09088857
Abstract
While studies of achromatic plumage signaling are scarce relative to chromatic ornaments, achromatic ornaments have the potential to act as an efficient form of visual communication due to the highly conspicuous contrast between black and white body regions. Recently, achromatic plumage reflectance has been shown to indicate condition, yet the condition-dependence of achromatic patch size remains unstudied. Here we show the first evidence that alula size, an achromatic plumage patch, has the potential to signal a male's condition and predict reproductive performance. In Arctic-breeding snow buntings Plectrophenax nivalis, the size of the alula simultaneously predicted pre-breeding physiological health and the number of offspring produced, through an intermediate variable (lay date). Snow buntings appear to pair assortatively; males and females arriving earlier pair together, and changes in body condition over the breeding season are positively related within pairs. We suggest that simple achromatic plumage patches, like alula size, have the potential to act as condition-dependent signals. Consequently, females may benefit from assessing these signals to reliably evaluate a male's condition and reproductive potential as a means of maximizing their reproductive success. © 2013 The Authors. Journal of Avian Biology © 2013 Nordic Society Oikos.
E-ISSN
1600048X
Recommended Citation
Guindre-Parker, Sarah; Gilchrist, H. Grant; Baldo, Sarah; and Love, Oliver P.. (2013). Alula size signals male condition and predicts reproductive performance in an Arctic-breeding passerine. Journal of Avian Biology, 44 (3), 209-215.
https://scholar.uwindsor.ca/ibiopub/94