Mutual plumage ornamentation and biparental care: consequences for success in different environments

Abstract

Lay SummaryParental care and reproductive success of collared flycatchers were related to own and partner’s sexual ornaments in partial interaction with environmental conditions. In a brood size manipulation experiment, male wing patch size and female plumage brightness correlated with the partner’s feeding rate. Nestling quality correlated with male forehead patch size depending on breeding environment. These findings reveal a complex picture of relationships between the sexual ornament expression of parents and their parental care and success.