Carotenoid concentration and coloration of AmericanKestrels (Falco sparverius) disrupted by experimentalexposure to PCBs

American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) Science Article 6

abstract

Bright coloration in birds is typically a sexually selected trait. Expression of suchtraits is sensitive to environmental factors, so they can function as bioindicators ofenvironmental contamination. Of particular value may be carotenoid-based colorationbecause it is commonly used as a social signal and these pigments have importanthealth functions.

GARY R. BORTOLOTTI et al., Functional Ecology 2003 17, 651-657

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