Predation: Prey plumage adaptation against falcon attack.
Several plumage types are found in feral pigeons (Columba livia), but one type imparts a clear survival advantage during attacks by the swiftest of all predators--the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus). Here we use quantitative field observations and experiments to demonstrate both the selective nature of the falcon's choice of prey and the effect of plumage coloration on the survival of feral pigeons. This plumage colour is an independently heritable trait that is likely to be an antipredator adaptation against high-speed attacks in open air space.
Palleroni
Alberto
A
Primate Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA. aliparti@wjh.harvard.edu
Miller
Cory T
CT
Hauser
Marc
M
Marler
Peter
P
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D002140:California; D002755:Choice Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D003116:Color; D010856:Columbidae / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D046093:Falconiformes / Q000502:physiology*; D005241:Feathers / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D010641:Phenotype; D010858:Pigmentation / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011235:Predatory Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D015996:Survival Rate; D013997:Time Factors