Coloração ultravioleta e pigmentária em aves de Uberlândia-MG

Abstract

Bird feathers exhibit colors that are important for intra- and inter-specific communication. These colours transmit information that be conclusive for sexual selection, predator/prey relations or to indicate the nutritional condition of the individual, besides other aspects. Information about the functionality of plumage colouration in Brazilian birds is practically nonexistent. Most studies are concentrated in temperate areas. This study had the following objectives (1) to identify species that have criptic dimorfism in relation to ultraviolet (UV) coloration ocurring, (2) verify if there is association between colouration and body condition of crown of Antilophia galeata adult males. The methods involved a combination of field and laboratory activities. The capture of birds was made with mist-nets in fragmented environments of Cerrado habitat in the in the municipality of Uberlândia (Minas Gerais State) from November 2007 to June 2008. The individuals had their feather coloration evaluated with spectrophotometric techniques in June 2008. Was analized six species to find criptic dimorfism about UV reflectance, wich nobody had criptic dimorfism. Crown brightness in Antilophia galeata showed a significant positive correlation with mass (r = 0.59; p = 0.025) and mass/tarsus index (r = 0.62; p = 0.017). This sugest that males may advertise to their potential partners and co-specifics body condition and nutritional state.