Meeting Abstract

40.5  Sunday, Jan. 5 09:00  Male color as an indication of quality and reproductive success in painted buntings (Passerina ciris) BURT, D.B.*; KWIATKOWSKI, M.A.; GUMM, J.M.; Stephen F. Austin State University; Stephen F. Austin State University; Stephen F. Austin State University dbburt@sfasu.edu

Painted buntings, Passerina ciris, are elaborately colored passerine birds. The exaggerated display traits of painted buntings likely communicate male quality to conspecifics. Determination of male quality is important during competition among males to establish breeding territories and during female mate choice decisions. High quality males are expected to establish territories in the best habitats and have higher relative fitness. We examine how different plumage regions and variation in male color predict nesting success. We also examine how male quality relates to the relative location and habitat makeup of painted bunting territories.