Abrasion of the status badge in the male Italian SparrowPasser italiae

Abstract

During early winter the pale fringe of the throat and crown feathers of the male Italian Sparrow does not abrade, and the size of the black bib and the brightness of the brown crown which act as a status badge in winter flocks do not change. The pale fringe becomes worn and the bright breeding plumage is assumed fairly rapidly from February onward, when winter flocks break-up and sexual activity begins.