Abstract
![Figure][1] CREDIT: FABRIZIO SERGIO Phenotypic signals such as plumage patches are common among animals and indicate reproductive quality. Animals are also able to advertise their quality by building structures from materials gathered from their environment. In a comprehensive study of nest decorating behavior in black kites, Sergio et al. (p. [327][2]) found that birds that placed the most white plastic in their nest not only produced more offspring but also had better territories and were better at defending them in aggressive encounters. The amount of decoration placed decreased with age and, surprisingly, lower-quality individuals do not “cheat,” going out of their way to remove material experimentally placed in their nests. [1]: pending:yes [2]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.1199422
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