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Plumage Ornamentation As An Indicator Of Female Age And An Influence In Male Mate Choice In Protonotaria Citrea, The Prothonotary Warbler In Virginia., Terry Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Flamboyant plumage and ornamentation is common and well-known in male birds; it serves as a sexual display to attract potential mates. While flamboyant plumage is less common and usually more subtle in female birds, it does occur in some species such as Dark-Eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis) and Prothonotary Warblers (Protonotaria citrea). Prothonotary Warblers display relatively subtle sexual dimorphism. This study examines variations in tail spot patterns in Prothonotary Warblers and relates those variations to age in females. Females with fewer than six spots tend to be two years old or younger; females with six spots or more tend to be …