Jia Chen , Xian Li

Tropical Animal Resources Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572000, Hainan, China
Author    Correspondence author
International Journal of Molecular Zoology, 2024, Vol. 14, No. 3   doi: 10.5376/ijmz.2024.14.0014
Received: 09 Mar., 2024    Accepted: 21 Apr., 2024    Published: 12 May, 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Chen J., and Li X., 2024, Delayed plumage maturation in juvenile males of the white-bellied shortwing (Brachypteryx leucophrys), International Journal of Molecular Zoology, 14(3): 141-153 (doi: 10.5376/ijmz.2024.14.0014)

This study explores the White-bellied Shortwing, a species of warbler that is easily identifiable by its distinctive white belly and dark upper parts. The focus of the study is on the delayed feather moult (DPM) in young male individuals, who maintain darker plumage similar to that of females to avoid attack and predation by adult males. This DPM is believed to have adaptive value for survival and reproduction. The study recorded the transition from juvenile to adult plumage in young male birds and explored the impact of DPM on survival rates, social interactions, and breeding success. The results show that retaining juvenile plumage helps to improve survival rates in the early critical period and reduces social conflicts. By understanding these mechanisms, the study provides valuable data for the conservation strategy of the White-bellied Shortwing, emphasizing the importance of protecting its habitat.

White-bellied shortwing; Delayed feather moult; Western ghats; Survival strategy; Conservation strategy