Regulation of integumentary colour and plasma carotenoids in American Kestrels consistent with sexual selection theory

Abstract

1. Sexually selected traits are expected to vary seasonally, with the maximal expression of the character being evident during mate choice; however, the mechanisms controlling or regulating such traits are generally poorly known. 2. Carotenoid pigments responsible for bright red or yellow coloration in the feathers, skin or other integumentary structures of birds are generally believed to vary seasonally because of diet. 3. Variation in carotenoid‐dependent skin colour between winter and spring (mating season) was investigated, as was variation in plasma carotenoids across the breeding season in captive American Kestrels, Falco sparverius, fed a uniform diet. 4. Kestrels were more brightly coloured in the mating period than in winter, and plasma carotenoid concentrations declined from the time of mating to the rearing of young. 5. Although carotenoid levels were highly sexually dimorphic during mating and laying, males and both breeding and non‐breeding females all had similar levels by the incubation period, and the pattern of variation over time suggests rheostatic regulation. 6. These results suggest kestrels may have the ability to regulate (rather than merely control) their colour physiologically, the variation in colour and carotenoids is consistent with that expected of a sexually selected trait, and the loss of colour after breeding may suggest a trade‐off between the show and health functions of carotenoids.