Avian eggshell pigments and their variability

Mikšı́k, Ivan; Holáň, V; Deyl, Z.

doi:10.1016/0305-0491(95)02073-x

Cited by 103 publications

(50 citation statements)

References 10 publications

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“…However, the contents of chemical elements in speckled (pigment spots) and plain (unpigmented) areas of avian eggs, as well as the relationship between eggshell pigmentation and trace-element content, remain virtually unknown (see Mikšík et al 1996). This is surprising, given the fundamental physiological importance of eggshell micronutrients such as calcium (Ca) and a variety of trace elements, which are maternally transferred into eggs and are indispensable for developing avian embryos (Simkiss 1961, Reynolds 1997, Richards 1997, Miles 2000.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 91%

Speckled and plain regions of avian eggshells differ in maternal deposition of calcium and metals: A hitherto overlooked chemical aspect of egg maculation

Orłowski

Pokorny

Dobicki

et al. 2017

The Auk

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 91%

Speckled and plain regions of avian eggshells differ in maternal deposition of calcium and metals: A hitherto overlooked chemical aspect of egg maculation

Orłowski

Pokorny

Dobicki

et al. 2017

The Auk

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“…Egg appearance is determined solely by the mother (28), and is consistent throughout her lifetime (21,29). In experimental studies of other birds, eggshell color and spotting were generally found not to vary with environmental factors, including diet (30,31). Egg color has been artificially selected during the domestication of poultry (32).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evolution of bird eggs in the absence of cuckoo parasitism

Lahti

2005

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.

105

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Historical introductions of species into new habitats can create rare opportunities to test evolutionary hypotheses, such as the role of natural selection in maintaining traits. This study examines two independent introductions of the African village weaverbird (Ploceus cucullatus) to islands where selection on egg appearance traits is expected to differ markedly from that of the source populations. The color and spotting of village weaver eggs in Africa are highly consistent within clutches, but highly variable between individuals. These two features may be an evolutionary response to brood parasitism. In Africa, weavers are parasitized by each other and by the diederik cuckoo (Chrysococcyx caprius), an egg mimic. African village weavers were introduced one century ago to Mauritius, and over two centuries ago to Hispaniola. Both islands are devoid of egg-mimicking brood parasites. In these two populations, between-individual variation and within-clutch consistency in egg appearance have both decreased, as has the incidence of spotting, relative to the source populations in Africa. These reductions are more pronounced on Hispaniola, the earlier introduction. Such changes support the hypothesis that egg appearance in the African village weaver has been maintained by natural selection as a counteradaptation to cuckoo brood parasitism. These results illustrate that the removal of an agent of selection can sometimes bring about rapid evolutionary consequences.brood parasitism ͉ introduced species ͉ Ploceidae ͉ rapid evolution ͉ trait loss

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“…Pigments were identified and their concentrations calculated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) (Mikšík et al, 1996). Briefly, each eggshell was weighed, and washed with distilled water and then solubilized (and esterified) in the dark for 2days at room temperature in 15ml of methanol containing 8.5% concentrated sulphuric acid.…”

Section: Determination and Quantification Of Eggshell Pigmentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Condition-dependent strategies of eggshell pigmentation: an experimental study of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Duval

Cassey

Mikšı́k

et al. 2012

Journal of Experimental Biology

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SUMMARYA relationship has been suggested between eggshell colour and female body condition based on the opposing antioxidant properties of the two main eggshell pigments: the antioxidant biliverdin (blue-green) and the pro-oxidant protoporphyrin (brown). We hypothesized that experimentally food-restricted females with low antioxidant capacity would deposit more protoporphyrin and less biliverdin in their eggshells, resulting in eggshells of reduced brightness but increased colour intensity. Two eggs were collected at the beginning and two at the end of a 2week period from each of 24 female Japanese quails that were either food restricted or receiving ad libitum food (i.e. controls) during that time. Reflectance spectra were recorded and analysed using spectral shape descriptors, chromatic and achromatic contrasts were computed accounting for avian visual sensitivities, and eggshell pigments were quantified. We examined both spot and background pigmentation and found no significant effect of food restriction on eggshell reflectance. However, food-restricted females in lower body condition increased the deposition of protoporphyrin and decreased the amount of biliverdin invested in their eggshells. We hypothesize that in species laying brownspotted eggshells, females modulate eggshell pigment investment in response to their body condition. According to this hypothesis, we predict that females maintain eggshell colour to limit visible changes that could be detected by predators and thereby conceal their eggs, although this work has yet to be conducted. We suggest that further experimental work on egg camouflage under different environmental conditions will elaborate on the process of pigment deposition and the physiological costs to females of laying heavily pigmented eggshells.

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Avian eggshell pigments and their variability

Cited by 103 publications

References 10 publications

Speckled and plain regions of avian eggshells differ in maternal deposition of calcium and metals: A hitherto overlooked chemical aspect of egg maculation

Speckled and plain regions of avian eggshells differ in maternal deposition of calcium and metals: A hitherto overlooked chemical aspect of egg maculation

Evolution of bird eggs in the absence of cuckoo parasitism

Condition-dependent strategies of eggshell pigmentation: an experimental study of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

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