Pigments & Reproduction in Wetland-Dependent Birds

Explore a fascinating lecture on carotenoid pigments and their role in the reproduction of wetland-dependent birds. Delve into Dr. Jennifer Newbrey's research on Yellow-headed and Red-winged Blackbirds, examining topics such as sexual signals, asynchronous hatching, and intraclutch variation. Learn about carotenoid limitation, lab methods, and ANOVA results. Discover the antioxidant function of carotenoids and their potential tradeoffs in bird physiology. Investigate the differences in yolk and feather carotenoids between early and late breeders, as well as their effects on nestling growth. Gain insights into field methods, growth rate parameters, and the impact of maternal condition on resource allocation to eggs. Explore the relationship between bird populations, aquatic insects, and water chemistry in wetland ecosystems.

Carotenoid Pigments and Reproduction in Wetland-Dependent Blackbirds
Outline
Sexual Signals
Yellow-headed Blackbird Distribution Map
Asynchronous Hatching
Intraclutch Variation
Carotenoid Limitation
Lab Methods
ANOVA Results
Differences in Absorption?
Antioxidant Function
Carotenoid Tradeoffs
Objective & Predictions
Results - Yolk Carotenoids
Results - Feather Carotenoids
Early and Late Breeders
Early & Late Breeders
Nestling Growth
Field Methods - 2005
Growth Rate
Parameters Measured
Results - Maternal Condition
Results - Yolk Lutein
Summary of Results • Female condition & allocation of resources to eggs can have
What's up with Lutein?
Red-winged Blackbird Distribution Map
Red-winged Blackbird Yolk Carotenoids
Laying-sequence Variation
Bird Surveys, Aquatic Insects and Water Chemistry
Acknowledgements
Questions?