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Achromatic Markings as Male Quality Indicators in a Crepuscular Bird

Richard Schnürmacher,Rhune Vanden Eynde,Jitse Creemers,E. Ulenaers,M. Eens,Ruben Evens,Michiel Lathouwers

Published 2025 in Biology

ABSTRACT

Simple Summary Many animals use conspicuous body parts in communication, often as indicators of individual quality. While this has been extensively studied in the colourful plumage of diurnal songbirds, little is known about the role of contrasting white markings in nocturnal species. Over 15 years, we captured European Nightjars, nocturnal birds with distinct white markings on their wings and tail in males. We measured these markings and examined whether they show greater variability than other body parts, suggesting sexual selection pressures on their size. We also investigated the associations between the size of these markings and indicators of individual quality, such as age, body condition, site fidelity, and whether these patterns varied across study sites and between years. Our findings revealed that larger markings, particularly in the tail feathers, were associated with older males, those in better condition, and males returning to the same breeding site. The marking size varied across study sites. Given the visibility of these markings during breeding and territorial displays of Nightjars, we propose that they act as quality indicators. This study highlights the potential role of white markings in the communication of birds active at night, advancing our understanding of sexual selection in these enigmatic species.

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