Melanin-based coloration in juvenile kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) covaries with anti-predatory personality traits

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Version: Final published version
Serval ID
serval:BIB_CED0D761BB43
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Melanin-based coloration in juvenile kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) covaries with anti-predatory personality traits
Journal
Ethology
Author(s)
Van den Brink V., Henry I., Wakamatsu K., Roulin A.
ISSN
0179-1613
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2012
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
18
Number
7
Pages
673-682
Language
english
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that melanin-based coloration is associated with the ability to cope with stressful environments, potentially explaining why coloration covaries with anti-predator behaviours, boldness and docility. To investigate whether these relationships are consistent across species, we performed a study in the European kestrel (Falco tinnunculus). Similar to our results found previously in the barn owl (Tyto alba), nestling kestrels displaying a larger sub-terminal black tail band stayed on their back longer (tonic immobility test) and breathed at a lower rate than individuals with a smaller black band when handled. However, in contrast to barn owls, nestling kestrels with a larger black tail band were more aggressive and more agitated. Our results strengthen the hypothesis that melanin coloration is related to stress response and in turn to the reaction to predators, a very important personality trait (i.e. boldness).
Web of science
Open Access
Yes
Create date
21/06/2012 7:57
Last modification date
20/08/2019 15:49
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