0000000000949791
AUTHOR
Jesús M. Avilés
Winter male plumage coloration correlates with breeding status in a cooperative breeding species
The function of colored ornaments is usually related to the signaling of individual quality in intra- and intersexual interactions. In cooperative breeding species, where only a fraction of the male population access the breeding status and the other fraction has the option to help breeding pairs, colored traits might provide the females with a reliable information on the quality of potential mate. Males of the cooperative breeding azure-winged magpies (Cyanopica cyanus) display conspicuous blue plumage coloration. Here we explored the role played by structural blue coloration of males and the probability of becoming a breeder or a helper. Birds were trapped during 4 consecutive years, and …
Support for a colleague.
As collaborators of Anders Pape Moller, we were shocked and surprised to read that he was accused of data fabrication (“Ecologists roiled by misconduct case,” G. Vogel, F. Proffitt, R. Stone, News of the Week, 30 Jan., p. [606][1]). We have never had cause to be concerned about any aspect of