Quantification of plumage coloration of a Hawaiian honeycreeper (Hemignathus virens virens) along gradients of biogeography: does variation exist between sub-populations on the Island of Hawaii?
- Author:
- Gaudioso, Jacqueline M.
- Title:
- Quantification of plumage coloration of a Hawaiian honeycreeper (Hemignathus virens virens) along gradients of biogeography: does variation exist between sub-populations on the Island of Hawaii?
- Year:
- 2009
- Volume:
- M.S.
- Pages:
- 80
- Subject:
- ʻAmakihi Birds color Birds evolution Birds Hawaiʻi Island Hemignathus virens
- Summary:
- This study is the first to investigate and document biogeographical, intraspecific variation of plumage coloration on an island scale using spectrophotometry. The breast and rump patches of adult Hawaiʻi ʻamakihi (Hemignathus virens virens) from twelve sites on the island of Hawaiʻi were measured. It was found that plumage coloration of Hawaiʻi ʻamakihi varied by elevation and rainfall on the island of Hawaiʻi. The results suggest climate may play an important role in the plumage traits of ʻamakihi.
- Date:
- December 2009
- Collection:
- Monographs