Analysis on Color Polymorphism of <I>Lanius schach</I>

Abstract

Color polymorphism is important in understanding the heredity, variation and evolution of species. Lanius schach is an example of a bird with color polymorphism. Here, we analyzed the deviation of the body measurements and distribution of different color morphs of Lanius schach by combining the specimen data in the South China Institute of Endangered Animals and the field data in Guangdong Province from April 2005 to January 2007. The results were: 1) A possible new color morph, called white-remiged black morph, which is different from brown morph and black morph by having white flight feathers, was identified and only recorded in Haifeng, Guangdong. 2) There was no obvious deviation in body measurements (P> 0.05) for brown morphs and black morphs. 3) Brown morphs are more widely distributed and denser than black morphs, which are mostly distributed near seaside areas and never found in mountainous areas. Therefore we concluded that the new color morph suggested seashore regions to be important for the differentiation of black morphs and continued differentiation.