Dietary protein level affects iridescent coloration in Anna's hummingbirds, Calypte anna.

ABSTRACT: Many animal displays involve colorful ornamental traits that signal an individual's quality as a mate or rival. Brilliant iridescent ornaments are common, but little is currently known about their production cost and signaling value. One potential cost of colorful ornaments is the acquisition of limited dietary resources that may be involved, directly or indirectly, in their production. Protein, the primary component of bird feathers and of many nanostructural components of iridescent traits, is naturally restricted in hummingbird diets (comprised mostly of sugars), suggesting that iridescent coloration may be especially challenging to produce in these animals. In this study, we experimentally investigated the effect of dietary protein availability during molt on iridescent color expressio

SUBMITTER: Meadows MG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3404802 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature