Publication details
Health and ornamentation in Grey partridge (Perdix perdix)
| Authors | |
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| Year of publication | 2011 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Description | Grey partridge (Perdix perdix) is a non-migratory terrestrial game-bird species. Its reproduction system is social monogamy with male-male competition and female choice determining the sexual selection outcome. Both males and females possess multiple ornamental traits involved in sexual selection: a melanin-pigmented horseshoe-shaped breast feather patch and a carotenoid-based eyering. In this study we have investigated whether these traits are associated with the health state revealed by several haematological (differential leukocyte count, absolute leukocyte count, proportion of immature erythrocytes, haematocrit) and immunological markers (PHA skin swelling test, complement activity). Our results suggest that all three components of the carotenoid-based colouration (hue, saturation and brightness) as well as the size of the melanin-based ornamentation may serve as good indicators of the physiological state of the animal. The positive association between ornamental hue and PHA-induced response indicates that magnitude of the response may be in fact a sign of impaired health in this species. Innate immunity (such as complement activity) may have an important role in good health maintenance as suggested by the relationship between complement activity and carotenoid-based ornament expression. These results help to understand the physiological background behind the ornament-based sexual selection in this species. |