Abstract
BackgroundIn complex sexual signaling systems such as plumage color, developmental or genetic links may occur among seemingly distinct traits. However, the interrelations of such traits and the functional significance of their integration rarely have been examined.Methodology/Principal FindingsWe investigated the parallel variation of two reflectance descriptors (brightness and UV chroma) across depigmented and melanized plumage areas of collared flycatchers (Ficedula albicollis), and the possible role of integrated color signals in mate acquisition. We found moderate integration in brightness and UV chroma across the plumage, with similar correlation structures in the two sexes despite the strong sexual dichromatism. Patterns of parallel color change across the plumage were largely unrelated to ornamental white patch sizes, but they all showed strong assortative mating between the sexes. Comparing different types of assortative mating patterns for individual spectral variables suggested a distinct role for plumage-level color axes in mate acquisition.Conclusions/SignificanceOur results indicate that the plumage-level, parallel variation of coloration might play a role in mate acquisition. This study underlines the importance of considering potential developmental and functional integration among apparently different ornaments in studies of sexual selection.
Highlights
Many animal species develop conspicuous traits, such as acoustic and visual cues, and display multiple secondary sexual ornaments [1]
Sexual dichromatism We found strong sexual dichromatism in the pigmented areas of the plumage and in the depigmented areas
Principal component analyses Given that we found little correlation between brightness and UV chroma but similar covariance structures of brightness and UV chroma among plumage areas in females and males, we calculated separate principal component analyses (PCAs) for brightness and UV chroma but pooled data from the two sexes
Summary
Many animal species develop conspicuous traits, such as acoustic and visual cues, and display multiple secondary sexual ornaments [1]. Numerous bird species possess differently colored plumage patches, for example black, white, green and yellow in great tits (Parus major), or blue and reddish brown in eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis). Pigment-based colors result from light absorption by pigments (mainly melanins and carotenoids), while structural colors are produced by the feather nanostructure that scatters the incident light [5]. These two mechanisms usually work together [6,7]. In complex sexual signaling systems such as plumage color, developmental or genetic links may occur among seemingly distinct traits. The interrelations of such traits and the functional significance of their integration rarely have been examined
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