Molt and migration inCinnyricinclus leucogaster

Abstract

The sequence of molt inCinnyricinclus leucogaster differs markedly from that in most passerine birds. Instead of having body molt proceed concurrently with that of wing and tail, the main body molt begins only after wing and tail molt are complete. Within the wing molt, the sequence of primary molt is normal descending, but that of secondary molt is peculiar. In most passerine bird, the three inner secondaries (nos. 7–9, the “tertials”) start the secondary molt followed by the six outer secondaries, but inCinnyricinclus the tertials do not begin molting until secondary 3 is growing. Secondaries 5 and 6, which are replaced in other Songbirds at the time of the last primary, are delayed until the time of body molt. This delayed molt of contour feathers and inner secondaries has the adaptive advantage of permitting the male to enter courtship activities with the maximum amount of violet gloss.