Sexual dimorphism in the post‐juvenile moult in the Azure‐winged MagpieCyanopica cyaneacooki

Abstract

A sexual dimorphism in the postjuvenile moult of the Azure-winged Magpie Cyanopica cyanea cooki is described. Males retain significantly fewer primaries, secondaries, uppe greater primary coverts and rectrices than females. This difference is interpreted as an adaption for mate selection and to improve reproductive success.