UV reflecting vole scent marks attract a passerine, the great grey shrike Lanius excubitor

Probst, Remo; Pavličev, Mihaela; Viitala, Jussi

doi:10.1034/j.1600-048x.2002.02760.x

Cited by 33 publications

(34 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…Ultraviolet (UV) sensitivity is well demonstrated in several avian species, both behaviourally (e.g., Viitala et al 1995;Cuthill et al 2000;Probst et al 2002) and physiologically (e.g., Vos Hnz et al 1994;Bowmaker et al 1997;Hart and Hunt 2007). Moreover, UV reflectance in avian plumage is ubiquitous among birds (Eaton and Lanyon 2003;Bennett and Théry 2007).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Ultraviolet reflectance and female mating preferences in the common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

2008

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Previous studies revealed the importance of plumage brightness (considering only the visible spectral range) in female mate choice of common kestrels (Falco tinnunculus L., 1758). Our study focuses on the effect of UV reflectance on female preference; we hypothesize that common kestrel females prefer males with UV-reflecting plumage and refuse, or are not attracted to, males whose plumage UV reflectance is prevented. We tested the preference of 20 captive females who were given a choice between two males, one behind a UV-transmitting (UV+) filter and another one behind a UVblocking (UV-) filter. Female preference was measured as frequency and duration of visits to either male, specifically by sitting on the perch or hanging on to the partition wall. Females visited the male behind the UV+ filter more often than the male behind the UV-filter, indicating that females prefer males with UV-reflecting plumage than males without UV reflection. UV plumage and skin reflectance could provide females with information regarding current male conditions more so than other colours and other morphological parameters.Résumé : Des études antérieures ont montré l'importance de l'éclat du plumage (en considérant seulement la partie visible du spectre) dans le choix des partenaires par les femelles du faucon crécerelle (Falco tinnunculus L., 1758). Notre étude s'intéresse à l'effet de la réflectance UV sur la préférence des femelles chez cette espèce; notre hypothèse veut que les faucons crécerelles femelles préfèrent les mâles dont le plumage réfléchit l'UV, alors qu'elles refusent les mâles chez lesquels la réflexion de l'UV est empêchée ou bien qu'elles ne sont pas attirées par eux. Nous avons vérifié les préférences de 20 femelles en captivité, à qui nous avons donné le choix entre deux mâles, l'un derrière un filtre (UV+) qui laisse passer l'UV et un autre derrière un filtre (UV-) qui bloque la transmission de l'UV. Nous avons évalué la préférence des femelles par la fréquence et la durée de leurs visites à chacun des mâles, spécifiquement par leur présence sur le perchoir ou leur agrippement à la partition. Les femelles visitent plus fréquemment le mâle derrière le filtre UV+ que celui derrière le filtre UV-, ce qui indique que les femelles du faucon crécerelle préfèrent les mâles dont le plumage réfléchi l'UV à ceux qui ne font pas de réflexion de l'UV. La réflexion de l'UV par le plumage et la peau pourrait renseigner les femelles sur la condition actuelle des mâles, mieux que les autres couleurs et que les autres variables morphologiques.[Traduit par la Rédaction]

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Ultraviolet reflectance and female mating preferences in the common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

2008

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“…UV has been shown to be ecologically important in foraging (Viitala et al 1995;Church et al 1998;Siitari et al 1999Siitari et al , 2002Probst et al 2002), but it is also associated with various costs (Bennett & Cuthill 1994;Losey et al 1999). That gulls maintain the UVS system therefore indicates an adaptive value, such as improved foraging efficiency in dip or plunge diving.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ultraviolet vision and foraging in dip and plunge diving birds

2005

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Many fishes are sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light and display UV markings during courtship. As UV scatters more than longer wavelengths of light, these signals are only effective at short distances, reducing the risk of detection by swimming predators. Such underwater scattering will be insignificant for dip and plunge diving birds, which prey on fishes just below the water surface. One could therefore expect to find adaptations in the eyes of dip and plunge diving birds that tune colour reception to UV signals. We used a molecular method to survey the colour vision tuning of five families of dip or plunge divers and compared the results with those from sister taxa of other foraging methods. We found evidence of exten-ded UV vision only in gulls (Laridae). Based on available evidence, it is more probable that this trait is associated with their terrestrial foraging habits rather than piscivory.

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“…The ability to use UV reflectance in food strategy has been demonstrated not only in birds of prey (birds of order Falconiformes), but also in carnivorous birds of other orders, e.g., order Passeriformes. The results of experiments on the great grey shrike (Lanius excubitor) indicate that this passerine probably uses UV cues to determine the presence of voles (Probst et al, 2002). However, the ability to detect prey is common for birds with analogous feeding spectra in taxonomically distinct species.…”

Section: Prey Detection In Birds Of Preymentioning

confidence: 99%

Detection of toxigenic Clostridium difficile in pig feces by PCR

Álvarez‐Pérez¹,

Alba²,

Blanco³

et al. 2009

Vet. Med. - Czech

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ABSTRACT:The ability to perceive the near ultraviolet part of the light spectrum (the wavelength 320-400 nm) has been detected in many bird species. This ability is an important bird sense. The ecological importance of UV perception has been studied mainly in the context of intra-and inter-sexual signalling, common species communication and also in foraging. Some birds of prey use UV reflectance in their feeding strategy: e.g., the kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), but also other birds of prey are able to recognize the presence of voles by perceiving the UV reflectance of their scent urine marks. The ability to detect the presence of prey is a common feature of birds with analogous feeding spectra in taxonomically distinct species. UV perception and its use in foraging have also been proved in predominantly herbivorous bird species. This ability is possessed both by bird species living in northern habitats and others living in tropical forests. The signalling and communication role of the UV perception is very important. The plumage of many bird species shows specific colour features -e.g., sexually different regions in plumage coloration unnoticed by the human eye. Also other body parts can have similar features -e.g., supra-orbital combs in the red grouse (Lagopus lagopus scoticus). All these characteristics are important primarily in the mate-choice decision. Birds apparently also use their ability of UV perception for recognition of their own eggs. Some bird species are able to modify plumage UV reflectance by uropygial secretions. The knowledge of all specific aspects of bird physiology can significantly help both breeders of various bird species and facilitate effective veterinary care.

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UV reflecting vole scent marks attract a passerine, the great grey shrike Lanius excubitor

Cited by 33 publications

References 19 publications

Ultraviolet reflectance and female mating preferences in the common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

Ultraviolet reflectance and female mating preferences in the common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

Ultraviolet vision and foraging in dip and plunge diving birds

Detection of toxigenic Clostridium difficile in pig feces by PCR

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