Sex-dependent elevational effects on bird feather moult

Kiat, Yosef; Sapir, Nir

doi:10.1007/s10682-021-10123-y

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 55 publications

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“…Interestingly, our results did not detect any significant effect of age or sex, two main intrinsic factors that often affect moult and feather characteristics (Szép et al . 2019, Kiat & Sapir 2021). Nor did we detect consistent differences in the latitudinal gradient continuum (Atlas–Rif–Alcornocales–Guadarrama), but only some differences between regions (Iberia versus Maghreb), which is unexpected as latitude had been described as a good predictor of variation in feather growth rate (Terrill 2018, Horák et al .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, although feather growth could be conditioned by the sharp environmental changes caused by altitude, there is no consensus on how feather production differs between highland and lowland bird populations (Hernández‐Téllez et al . 2021, Kiat & Sapir 2021). In a study conducted in the southwestern Palaearctic region (i.e.…”

Section: Family Distribution Winter Ecology Total Samples Iberia Maghrebmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Highland and lowland forest birds differ in their feather growth rates: a multispecies test in the southwestern Palaearctic

Hernández‐Téllez,

Aguirre,

de la Hera

et al. 2023

Ibis

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Mountain birds face numerous challenges caused by altitude‐dependent environmental seasonality. Although elevation gradients may affect bird morphology, migration strategy and/or phenology of seasonal events (breeding and moulting), the life histories of highland compared with lowland birds have been little explored. In this study we compared the growth rate and mass of the tail feathers of six forest passerine species sampled at different elevations in the Iberian Peninsula (north) and the Maghreb (south) to assess potential differences in moult duration and feather quality between highland and lowland bird populations. As timing is crucial in seasonal environments, we also explored seasonal changes in temperature in the different study areas as a proxy for the duration of the optimal temporal windows available in summer for breeding and moulting. In addition, we compared wing configuration between highland and lowland populations, which could reflect differences in their migration strategy (migratory versus sedentary). The results showed that highland birds had less time available for breeding and moulting, longer and more concave wings, and faster feather growth rates than lowland populations, but we found no consistent patterns of variation in feather mass. These results suggest that selection might have favoured an accelerated moult and a more migratory behaviour in highland populations to cope with the reduction in the optimal temporal window as elevation increases. These patterns are similar to those observed in migratory populations moving along latitudinal gradients to breed in highly seasonal northern environments. We therefore hypothesize that elevational gradients at the southern limit of the Palaearctic could be an important driving force promoting variation in feather growth rate and wing configuration, and probably also other avian life‐history characteristics.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Family Distribution Winter Ecology Total Samples Iberia Maghrebmentioning

confidence: 99%

Highland and lowland forest birds differ in their feather growth rates: a multispecies test in the southwestern Palaearctic

Hernández‐Téllez,

Aguirre,

de la Hera

et al. 2023

Ibis

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“…Moult can also be affected by changing climate conditions (Kiat et al . 2020b, Kiat & Sapir 2021), including global warming (Kiat et al . 2019b).…”

Section: Figurementioning

confidence: 99%

Moult terminology: Let's make it simpler!

Kiat

2022

Ibis

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An understanding of feather moult, an important process in the life cycle of birds, lags behind that of other avian life-history events. This lag includes a lack of scientific attention, but surprisingly also a lack of basic knowledge regarding the moult strategy of many bird species. This situation is particularly astonishing in light of the fact that feathers are a unique characteristic of birds. Currently, there are two main terminology systems for describing moult: one life-cycle-based and one plumage-based (H-P terminology). A survey conducted among 434 birdwatchers, bird-ringers (banders) and ornithologists showed a significant difference in understanding of the two terminologies. Ornithologists studying moult, as well as editors and reviewers, are called upon to make use of, and encourage the use of, understandable moult terminology, as much as possible. Using more understandable terms and language may help a wider audience of amateurs, students and ornithologists to understand moult. Involvement of a wider audience may advance data collection and research of this important event in the avian life cycle.

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Sex-dependent elevational effects on bird feather moult

Cited by 2 publications

References 55 publications

Highland and lowland forest birds differ in their feather growth rates: a multispecies test in the southwestern Palaearctic

Highland and lowland forest birds differ in their feather growth rates: a multispecies test in the southwestern Palaearctic

Moult terminology: Let's make it simpler!

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