Divergent color signals from homologous unfeathered ornaments in two congeneric grouse.

ABSTRACT: Color-based visual signals are important aspects of communication throughout the animal kingdom. Individuals evaluate color to obtain information about age and condition and to behave accordingly. Birds display a variety of striking, conspicuous colors and make ideal subjects for the study of color signaling. While most studies of avian color focus on plumage, bare unfeathered body parts also display a wide range of color signals. Mate choice and intrasexual competitive interactions are easily observed in lekking grouse, which also signal with prominent unfeathered color patches. Most male grouse have one pair of colorful bare part ornaments (combs), and males of several species also have inflatable air sacs in their throat. Previous studies have mostly focused on comb color and size, but

SUBMITTER: Gould GM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6822034 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature