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Abstract
Avian species have inspired numerous studies on ornamentation, exploring its role in intra- and intersexual selection as a marker for individual quality. Male birds have been the focus of most of these studies while females, which can also display ornamentation, have been studied less. Coloration achieved through molt, particularly carotenoid-based pigments, requires energy derived from food resources. As climate affects insect abundance, there may be a link between climate conditions during molt and feather quality the following season. We assessed the relationship between temperature and precipitation during molt and female Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) breast and crown feather reflectance metrics the following year. We collected breast feathers from 474 females and crown feathers from 436 females across 13 years (2010-2023) in eastern Virginia, USA. Breast and crown carotenoid content and breast yellow intensity tended to be higher following cooler and wetter conditions during molt. The negative impact of temperature on breast yellow intensity was greater in younger females. These results indicate that temperature and precipitation during molt carry over to influence female feather quality, which likely serves as an indicator of individual quality to potential mates. These results provide insight into how climate conditions affect individual plumage quality and may aid in understanding the impacts of climate change on mating systems. Future study is needed to explore how conditions during molt may interact with species’ thermoneutral zones to influence energy tradeoffs toward important events in a species’ annual cycle.
Publication Date
2024
Subject Major(s)
Environmental Studies, Biology
Keywords
female ornamentation, carotenoids, Prothonotary Warbler, Protonotaria citrea, molt, carry-over effects, reflectance, plumage, climate, feather quality
Disciplines
Biology | Life Sciences | Ornithology | Physiology
Current Academic Year
Senior
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Dr. Lesley Bulluck
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Dan Albrecht-Mallinger
Rights
© The Author(s)