Many species in the animal kingdom rely heavily on their appearances to attract mates, however most of their appearances are derived from genes that have been selected for, as a result of successful matings. This form of sexual selection is very important to most birds, as most species chose mates from preferred appearances and/or displays. However, new studies have shown that Flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus) actually apply natural forms of pigments to their feathers to boost their appearances and attract mates!
According to this study by Juan Amat, new evidence supports that birds transfer color pigments from their uropygial glad for cosmetic reasons. Although there is evidence that the colors of feathers change by abrasion, photochemical change, and staining, this transferring of pigments to their feathers has been displayed in greater Flamingos in Spain. Amat has been studying Flamingos in the field to compare seasonal variations in plumage color in relation to courtship activity. He also looked for the actual pigments and behavioral displays used to aquire and maintain the pink color Flamingos are best known for. Lastly, he compared all of these factors to annual reproduction patterns of egg laying specifically.
He found that similar to other species of birds that rely on sexual selection to determine successful reproduction, the plumage of Flamingos was more colorful during breeding season. Likewise, soon after breeding season ended, plumage began to fade. He also observed that during the breeding season Flamingos performed a rubbing behavior in which they rubbed their head on their neck, breast and back feathers to transfer carotenoids from their uropygial glands. This behavior of "applying natural make-up" assisted in making their feathers more colorful. This data suggests that this importance of cosmetic coloration is directly related to mate choice in Flamingos.
To read more about this study click here.
Posted by Abbie Lamarre-DeJesus (2)
Very interesting! Do you know if doing the behavior more correlates with increased reproductive success? Or do all flamingos preen equally?
ReplyDelete-Alex Sprague
This idea of “natural make-up” is very cool! It would be interesting to see if there are any sex differences in regard to frequency of this behavior. Do only males perform this behavior to attract females? Or do both sexes attempt to increase their coloration equally?
ReplyDeletePosted by Katie Kalutkiewicz
This behavior is definitely a male dominated behavior. Performing this rubbing behavior to transfer pigments to feathers was most frequent during group displays to attract females. Also, soon after egg hatching, the males' feathers begin to fade. This concludes that the application of "natural make-up" definitely plays a role in sexual selection. Thus, the more colorful your feathers, the more mates you will be able to find and the greater reproductive success.
ReplyDeletePosted by Abbie Lamarre-DeJesus
I like the way you introduced your blog with enough information. Although, What exactly is the uropygial gland? and did this article say anything bout gaining the pink coloring from eating shrimp like pete had said in class? Good job, may want to work on proofreading, grammer is a little off.
ReplyDelete-Katie Cyr
I wonder if artificially coloring certain flamingos extremely pink would increase their breeding success.
ReplyDeleteCharles Carville