Antibiotic treatment increases yellowness of carotenoid feather coloration in male greenfinches (Chloris chloris).

ABSTRACT: Carotenoid plumage coloration is an important sexually selected trait in many bird species. However, the mechanisms ensuring the honesty of signals based on carotenoid pigments remain unclear. It has recently been suggested that intestinal integrity, which is affected by gut parasites and microbiota and influences nutrient absorption and acquisition, mediates the relationship between carotenoid ornamentation and individual quality. Here, we test whether carotenoid plumage coloration in greenfinches (Chloris chloris) is affected by the treatment of an antibiotic or an antiparasitic drug. We captured wild greenfinches (N = 71) and administered anticoccidial medication toltrazuril (TOLTRA) to one group, antibiotic metronidazole (METRO) to the second group to target trichomonosis, and the thir

SUBMITTER: Lind MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8225797 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature