Hackle spectral characteristics and their role in mate choice in European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris)

Abstract

Plumage spectral characteristics are thought to play an essential role in mate choice. Male and female birds may benefit from mating outside of their social-pair bond if they obtain genetic benefits for their offspring by choosing mates with plumage that signals individual high quality. The goal of this thesis was to test the hypothesis that male and female genetic quality is signaled through hackle spectral characteristics and used in mate choice decisions by European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris). Hackle brightness was positively correlated with female body condition and male provisioning effort. Also males with brighter hackles sired proportionally more male offspring than males with duller hackles. Purple hackles were positively correlated with male body condition and female realized reproductive success. This study demonstrates the importance of hackle spectral quality in European starlings and the role it plays in mate choice.