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Condition dependence of nestling mouth colour and the effect of supplementing carotenoids on parental behaviour in the hihi (Notiomystis cincta)

  • Behavioral Ecology - Original Paper
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Abstract

Carotenoids are integument pigments that often reflect foraging efficiency, disease resistance and body condition. In contrast to the widespread attention this relationship has received in adult birds, the condition dependence of nestling colouration remains an understudied component of animal communication. Here we assess the condition dependence of carotenoid pigmentation in nestling hihi (Notiomystis cincta, an endangered New Zealand bird) and examine the influence of carotenoid supplementation on nestling quality and parental visitation rates. Our results show that carotenoids provided to breeding adult hihi were transferred to their offspring and resulted in an intensified orange–yellow flange colour. After accounting for carotenoid supplementation the parameter that most consistently explained variation in nestling flange colour was nestling tarsus length at 23 days, indicating condition dependence of this trait. We did not, however, detect direct effects of carotenoid supplementation on nestling mass or immune response (or any other fitness parameter measured). Carotenoid supplementation did, however, result in an increased paternal provisioning rate.

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Acknowledgements

We thank the New Zealand Department of Conservation and Hihi Recovery Team for supporting this work and the Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi for accommodating us on this island. Kemin kindly supplied the carotenoid supplement OroGLO and New Zealand Sugar the raw sugar base. Early discussion of this project benefited greatly from discussion with Anders Møller. This manuscript was improved by comments from Rebecca Kilner, Peter Bennett, Doug Armstrong, Chris Johnson and two anonymous referees. J. G. E. was supported by a post-doctoral research fellowship from the IoZ, with added financial support from Massey University, and a Royal Society Research Grant.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regents Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK

    John G. Ewen

  2. Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK

    Rose Thorogood

  3. Department of Animal Science, University of Yüzüncü Yil, Van, Turkey

    Filiz Karadas

  4. Centre for Ornithology, School of Biosciences, Birmingham University, Edgbaston, UK

    Phillip Cassey

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  1. John G. Ewen
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  2. Rose Thorogood
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  3. Filiz Karadas
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  4. Phillip Cassey
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Correspondence to John G. Ewen.

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Communicated by Christopher Johnson.

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Ewen, J.G., Thorogood, R., Karadas, F. et al. Condition dependence of nestling mouth colour and the effect of supplementing carotenoids on parental behaviour in the hihi (Notiomystis cincta). Oecologia 157, 361–368 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00442-008-1073-3

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