title: Plumage phenotypes and mating preferences in Japanese quail.
abstract: A series of trials was conducted to study the relationship of plumage phenotype with choice of mate. Males which exhibited preferences tended to choose either females of their own kind, those of a plumage color with which they had prior experience, or those of the darker hue in a choice situation. Wild-type males which had no prior experience with albino females, tended to avoid albinos in preference to wild-type hens. This preference persisted when the head and neck plumage of albinos was dyed black, but when the body plumage of the albinos was dyed black, wild-type males did not exhibit a preference between them and wild-type females. The data suggest that body plumage color is a factor in the male choice of females.
authors.affiliation: Poultry Science Department, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061 U.S.A.
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Truax
authors.forename: P B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Siegel