Abstract
ABSTRACT The extent to which birds invest in a variable molt reflects the interplay between life history phenology and environmental conditions. This study assesses geographic variation in the preformative molt of the Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria) by comparing molt patterns between the Pacific and interior populations of North America which differ in life history phenology by 2 months. Both populations exhibited a strong bimodal pattern in primary replacement where individuals either replaced none or ≥3 primaries. Among individuals that replaced >0 remiges, males molted significantly more remiges than females. The earlier breeding Pacific population contained a significantly greater proportion of individuals that replaced >0 remiges and a significantly greater proportion of individuals that replaced >0 primaries. These results provide observational evidence in support of the early breed – extensive molt hypothesis, which states that the preformative molt is adjusted in response to different photoperi...
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
