Monomorphic ornamentation related to oxidative damage and assortative mating in the Black Guillemot (Cepphus grylle)

Publication Date

2015

Description

The Black Guillemot (Cepphus grylle) is a monomorphic seabird characterized by its muted plumage and bright red feet, which it prominently displays during courtship. Foot color and oxidative stress were analyzed in a Black Guillemot colony at the Bay of Fundy during the 2006 and 2007 breeding seasons. While no relationship between red intensity of feet and carotenoids was uncovered, the level of plasma oxidative damage was negatively correlated with foot color. Additionally, red intensity of male feet was significantly correlated with the red intensity of their mates’ feet, suggesting the possibility of assortative mating by foot color in this species. Further experimental work is necessary to determine whether foot color is used in this species as an honest signal to relay information on the ability of an individual to manage oxidative stress

Journal

Waterbirds

Volume

38

Issue

1

First Page

106

Last Page

110

Department

Biology

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.1675/063.038.0114

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