UH Hilo Center for Maunakea Stewardship - Research Library

The significance of color in the life history and behavior of the Hawaii Akepa

Author:
Lepson, Jaan Kaimanu
Title:
The significance of color in the life history and behavior of the Hawaii Akepa
Year:
1996
Volume:
Ph.D.
Pages:
xiv, 167 leaves, bound
Subject:
Loxops coccineus Hawaii Akepa Birds color
Summary:
The Hawaii Akepa (Loxops coccineus coccineus) is a strongly sexually dichromatic bird wherein males are bright orange and females are dull gray-green. This study documents color variation in live birds and examines behavioral correlates of different plumage color. Akepa have intense pre-breeding competitions lasting six months and which involve group displays by males, even though the sex ratio is nearly even. Model playback experiments were used to determine the proximate function of subadult plumage in young males. Responses were consistent with lower status for subadult males, supporting status signaling over female mimicry and winter adaptation hypotheses.
Collection:
Monographs