Male coloration as an indicator of parental quality in the yellowhammer, Emberiza citrinella

Abstract Abstract. In monogamous species the amount and quality of male parental care may be essential for females since fitness depends on number and quality of offspring. Degree of male ornamentation may be used by females as an indicator of paternal effort and thus may be an important factor in mate choice situations. This was tested by observing feeding rates of yellowhammers, a species showing considerable colour variation. Male and female feeding rates were inter-correlated and were both negatively correlated with male coloration. Relative mate feeding rate was not correlated with male colour. In spite of a low feeding rate by more highly coloured older males, no effect was found on nestling condition, indicating compensation by high quality food or bigger load per nest visit. Nevertheless, coloration was positively related to the number of fledged young for old males and so may indicate parental quality. These results suggest that older and generally more colourful males may be more experienced and of higher quality and so may be preferred by females.