Organism
House Finch
TL;DR
Male house finches with brighter red plumage have better immune function, higher survival rates, and greater reproductive success.
Male house finches with brighter red plumage have better immune function, higher survival rates, and greater reproductive success. The red coloration comes from carotenoid pigments obtained from diet, which also function as antioxidants and immune boosters. Displaying bright coloration means diverting valuable resources from health maintenance to signal production, ensuring only healthy, well-fed males can produce vibrant displays.
Notable Traits of House Finch
- Carotenoid-based red plumage
- Color correlates with immune function
- Dietary pigment constraint