Black-Capped Chickadees' Plumage Reflectance and Disease State
Author Information
Author(s): D'Alba Liliana, Van Hemert Caroline, Handel Colleen M., Shawkey Matthew D.
Primary Institution: University of Akron
Hypothesis
Birds afflicted with avian keratin disorder would show reduced expression of black and white, but not grey, color.
Conclusion
The study found that black and white plumage color in black-capped chickadees reflects their disease state, with affected birds showing reduced color expression due to feather soiling.
Supporting Evidence
- Feathers of affected birds had a matted appearance with large deposits of debris.
- UV-vis spectrometry revealed spectral differences between affected and unaffected birds.
- Experimentally cleaning the feathers increased color expression of ornamental feathers in affected birds.
Takeaway
Sick black-capped chickadees have dirty feathers that make them look less colorful, which can show other birds that they are not healthy.
Methodology
The study used UV-vis spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, and a feather cleaning experiment to analyze plumage reflectance.
Limitations
The study's sample size was limited, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
The study involved 10 affected and 10 unaffected black-capped chickadees from Alaska.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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