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This male mallard duck, Anas platyrhynchos, is an excellent example of how males of many bird species use bright colors to attract mates. Note the contrast of the vibrant green head, rich brown bib, and reddish-orange feet. The ability of males to produce these colors may be affected by their nutritional state and by whether or not they are infected by parasites. Males who are effective foragers, gaining good nutrition, or which have well-functioning immune systems may be more brightly colored than malnourished or infected males. Females who choose brightly colored males may be keying in on features that signal "good genes" in their prospective mate. Poorly fed or infected males, in theory, are unable to produce the bright colors of healthy plumage; coloration, then, becomes an honest signal of that the male is carrying genes which make him successful in his environment. |
Hamilton W D, Zuk M 1982. Heritable true fitness and bright birds - a role
for parasites. Science 218 (4570): 384-387
Zuk M, Johnson K, Thornhill R, Ligon J D 1990. Parasites and male ornaments
in free-ranging and captive red jungle fowl. Behaviour 114: 232-248
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