From microscopic feather structure to whole-organism display behavior:

Using multiple specimen types to uncover the private courtship signals

of Parotia wahnesi (Paradiseidae).

Todd Alan Harvey1, Edwin Scholes2, Kimberly S. Bostwick3, Timothy Laman4, Steve Marschner5

1Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University

2Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University

3Cornell Museum of Vertebrates, Cornell University

4Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University

3Department of Computer Science, Cornell University

The Extended Specimen: Emerging Frontiers in Collections-based Ornithological Research

American Ornithologists' Union 2013

August 17, 2013

Abstract

Characterizing the appearance and signaling performance of the courtship display of Parotia wahnesi is challenging due to its directional and temporal attributes. We used vouchered behavioral specimens in the form of field-generated video-recordings, in combination with reflectance measurements from a museum specimen in the lab to reconstruct the “anatomy” of the extended courtship phenotype of the male Parotia wahnesi. We investigated three fundamental components of its directional signaling: (1) the direction of light illuminating the male in his court, (2) the direction of the reflectance from the male’s iridescent ornamental plumage, and (3) the position and orientation of the ornaments with respect to the female during display. We show how plumages are tightly aligned at multiple structural scales to maximize the effectiveness of visual signals. In a highly choreographed performance, ornamental plumages entice females through contrasting shape, intensity, and color, while ancillary plumages construct a backdrop framing those ornaments. We present evidence that the male leverages the geometry of his court and lighting environment to gain additional directional advantages. Every attribute, whether intrinsic or extrinsic to the male himself, hones signal production to generate spectacular but private displays intended for visiting female birds, unobservable from other vantage points.

Acknowledgements

Thanks to the University of Kansas Natural History Museum for access to their Parotia Wahnesi specimen.