Color Bands Do Not Affect Dominance Status in Captive Flocks of Wintering Dark-Eyed Juncos

Abstract

Researchers frequently use color bands to identify individual birds in field and aviary studies. However, several studies suggest that band color may influence such variables as territory defense (Metz and Weatherhead 1991), mating success (Burley et al. 1982, Brodsky 1988), sex ratio of offspring (Burley 1986, Hagan and Reed 1988), and mortality (Burley 1985). Band colors implicated have usually been similar to those naturally appearing in the species' plumage, such as red on male Red-cockaded Woodpeckers (Picoides borealis). Several authors have argued that certain colors of bands may enhance naturally occurring plumage signals, such as status badges or species-recognition cues (e.g., Hagan and Reed 1988, Metz and Weatherhead 1991). Enhancing natural plumage signals with color bands might either increase a bird's fitness (e.g., by elevating social status), or decrease fitness (e.g., by providing inaccurate information about social status or behavioral intent). Much of the information on the effects of color bands arises from post hoc analyses of studies designed for other purposes (e.g., Hagan and Reed 1988, Beletsky and Orians 1989). This has complicated the interpretation of some results because colors were not assigned in a truly random manner, and multiple colors were worn simultaneously. Nearly all published work on band color effects deals with reproductive success or social behavior during the breeding season. Here we present the results of a study designed to test the effects of several band colors on social status of Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis) during the non-breeding sea-