Adult-Like Plumage Coloration Predicts Winter Territory Quality and Timing of Arrival on the Breeding Grounds of Yearling Male American Redstarts

摘要: Abstract. The quality of winter territory can have important consequences for migratory songbirds throughout the year. In American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla), a warbler in which plumage maturation is delayed, yearling males variety habitat types that vary quality. Little known regarding physical traits allow some yearlings to occupy higher-quality sites. Here, we measured eight variables characterizing and morphology two habitats differ suitability determine aspects phenotype predict occupancy. Yearlings wintering high-quality mangrove Jamaica had more extensive adult-like black on their breast than those low-quality scrub. No other phenotypic differences associated with were detected. Additionally, arriving earlier breeding grounds Ontario extensively breasts later. Previous studies using stable carbon is...