AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Repeatable Length and Mass but Not Growth Rate of Individual Feathers between Moults in a Passerine Bird

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2009
Authors:De La Hera, I, Pérez-Tris, J, Tellería, JLuis
Journal:Acta Ornithologica
Volume:44
Issue:1
Date Published:2009
ISBN Number:0001-6454
Keywords:Sylvia, Sylvia atricapilla, Sylviidae
Abstract:Abstract. Plumage is regularly replaced over the lifetime of birds, and, consequently, variable conditions experienced during plumage development can affect feather growth rate or the expression of feather characteristics. We assessed intra-individual constancy in the length, mass, and growth rate of tail feathers between complete moults of 13 free-living individual Blackcaps Sylvia atricapilla. Between-moult repeatability was high for the length and mass, but not for growth rate of individual tail feathers. The feathers produced in the later moult grew at a slower rate, which shows that the time to produce similar feathers increases with age.Abstract. Plumage is regularly replaced over the lifetime of birds, and, consequently, variable conditions experienced during plumage development can affect feather growth rate or the expression of feather characteristics. We assessed intra-individual constancy in the length, mass, and growth rate of tail feathers between complete moults of 13 free-living individual Blackcaps Sylvia atricapilla. Between-moult repeatability was high for the length and mass, but not for growth rate of individual tail feathers. The feathers produced in the later moult grew at a slower rate, which shows that the time to produce similar feathers increases with age.
URL:http://dx.doi.org/10.3161/000164509X464939
Short Title:Acta Ornithologica
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith