Subtle, but perceptible, sexual dichromatism and disassortative mating based on plumage reflectance in Black Terns (Chlidonias niger)

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Год журнала: 2024, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Янв. 12, 2024

In birds, sexual selection on plumage often leads to dichromatism and male ornamentation. However, even in drab species with no obvious dichromatism, both sexes may still use for mate choice. A previous study found weak size dimorphism North American Black Terns (Chlidonias niger surinamensis), but assortative mating based morphology. the relevance of variation choice is yet untested. Here, using reflectance spectrometry avian visual modeling revealed that Tern males females exhibited a subtle significant difference brightness (males darker). Importantly, achromatic contrast between should be perceptible during Moreover, there was evidence disassortative color, not brightness: more black saturated birds paired gray unsaturated birds. There relationship color or body mass. This finding suggests signals unrelated condition relevant The pattern unexpected, potential benefits choosing dissimilar from oneself are discussed. highlights importance considering system when studying elusive human observers.

Язык: Английский

Subtle, But Perceptible, Sexual Dichromatism and Disassortative Mating Based on Plumage Reflectance in Black Terns (Chlidonias niger)

Waterbirds, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 47(1)

Опубликована: Авг. 2, 2024

In birds, sexual selection on plumage may promote dichromatism and male ornamentation. However, even in drab species without obvious dichromatism, still be used for mate choice. A previous study found weak but significant size dimorphism North American Black Terns (Chlidonias niger surinamensis), no assortative mating based morphology. the relevance of variation to choice this is yet untested. Here, using reflectance spectrometry avian visual modeling, we revealed that Tern males females exhibited a subtle difference brightness (males darker) midwestern USA population. Importantly, achromatic contrast between sexes was perceptible during Moreover, there evidence disassortative color as measured by hue saturation, not brightness. There relationship or body mass. This finding suggests signals unrelated condition relevant The pattern unexpected, potential benefits choosing dissimilar from oneself are discussed. highlights importance considering system when studying elusive human observers.

Язык: Английский