Abstract
The active acquisition of plumage cosmetic coloration by iron oxides has been described in several bird species (notably the Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus, but also in cranes, pelicans and other vulture species) but its function remains controversial. We tested the hypothesis that iron oxide acquired through mud bathing protects feathers from wear. We experimentally stained 13 breast feathers collected from two White Storks Ciconia ciconia with mud from a ferruginous pond regularly used by Bearded Vultures, while another 13 feathers (controls) were treated with water. All feathers were exposed to a controlled physical abrasion treatment. We found no differences in wear between control and stained feathers, which is counter to predictions of the wear protection hypothesis for the acquisition of this cosmetic plumage coloration.
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