Abstract
Environmental pollution, for example with metals, can significantly affect the ecosystem balance leading to severe changes. Biologically active pigments are relevant for the appearance and condition of birds. Melanin and carotenoid particles are the most frequently deposited pigments in avian integument. They are responsible for the majority of colors of bird plumage. The phenotypic expression can be affected by metal contamination. It can be manifested as color bleaching or differences in the size of plumage badges. In this study, we performed a comprehensive review of related studies in order to estimate the underlying population effect of this potential dependency. The study is based on the review of the literature regarding several avian species. It was designed to identify an area where the effect of the exposure is still poorly known. The analysis was specifically conducted to investigate the correlation between trace element concentration and eumelanin deposition. Moreover, we searched for factors that could affect spectral properties of feathers with carotenoid‐based pigmentation. As a result, we found carotenoid‐based pigmentation to be of a good use in terms of visual condition assessment. Changes in melanin‐based pattern should be analyzed separately for eu‐ and pheomelanin as well as for a range of essential and toxic elements. Comprehensive studies on the subject are still scarce. Therefore, the issue requires further investigation.
Highlights
Plumage coloration is used by birds to communicate signal honesty, informing on the individual’s quality status (Bortolotti, Blas, Negro, & Tella, 2006; Gunderson, Frame, Swaddle, & Forsyth, 2008; McGraw, Hill, & Parker, 2005; Zahavi, 1975)
Melanin-and carotenoid-based plumage pigmentation is widespread across avian species
The study is based on the extensive search of literature concerning the associations between chemical element concentration and pigment deposition measured in feathers
Summary
Plumage coloration is used by birds to communicate signal honesty, informing on the individual’s quality status (Bortolotti, Blas, Negro, & Tella, 2006; Gunderson, Frame, Swaddle, & Forsyth, 2008; McGraw, Hill, & Parker, 2005; Zahavi, 1975). The knowledge gap is especially evident in respect to studies focusing on the correlation between trace element concentration and pigment deposition. For example, females of the common eider (Somateria mollissima), pale coloration could be more costly to produce than dark coloration (Hanssen, Folstad, & Erikstad, 2006) In such a situation, the trait displaying cost could be misleadingly interpreted. This study focuses primarily on potential effects of trace elements on melanin-and carotenoid-based coloration and signal quality. This study presents a brief review of the limited existing evidence of a link between environmental contamination and pigment deposition in bird feathers
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