Intraspecific preen oil odor preferences in dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis)

Whittaker, Danielle J.; Richmond, Kaitlin M.; Miller, Allison K.; Kiley, Ryan P.; Burns, Christine Bergeon; Atwell, Jonathan W.; Ketterson, Ellen D.

doi:10.1093/beheco/arr122

Cited by 84 publications

(86 citation statements)

References 52 publications

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“…Although we have evidence that females discriminate among males based on mask size, it is still possible that they also use some more direct cues about MHC variation, such as differences in odour, which have been found in mammals and fish [56]. Evidence is starting to accumulate that birds can discriminate between individuals based on odour cues from feathers and preen gland secretions [57,58], and that odours are related to heterozygosity at microsatellite markers [59]. However, mate choice based on MHC-specific odours may be further complicated by the extensive diversity of the MHC in common yellowthroats, both in the number of alleles per individual, and the number of alleles in the population.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Social and extra-pair mating in relation to major histocompatibility complex variation in common yellowthroats

et al. 2012

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Females are thought to gain better-quality genes for their offspring by mating with particular males. Genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) play a critical role in adaptive immunity, and several studies have examined female mate choice in relation to MHC variation. In common yellowthroats, females prefer males that have larger black facial masks, an ornament associated with MHC variation, immune function and condition. Here we also tested whether mating patterns are directly correlated with MHC diversity or similarity. Using pyrosequencing, we found that the presence of extra-pair young in the brood was not related to male MHC diversity or similarity between the female and her within-pair mate. Furthermore, extra-pair sires did not differ in overall diversity from males they cuckolded, or in their similarity to the female. MHC diversity is extremely high in this species, and it may limit the ability of females to assess MHC variation in males. Thus, mating may be based on ornaments, such as mask size, which are better indicators of overall male health and genetic quality.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Social and extra-pair mating in relation to major histocompatibility complex variation in common yellowthroats

et al. 2012

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“…Indeed, in those birds in which olfactory thresholds have been determined, sensitivities to odors are similar to those of some mammals [Clark et al, 1993;Smith and Paselk, 1986;Snyder and Peterson, 1979;Stattleman et al, 1975;Waldvogel, 1989;Walker et al, 1986]. Behavioral studies have also demonstrated that olfaction is important in mediating many types of behaviors, including navigation [Holland et al, 2009;Papi, 1990;Wallraff, 2003Wallraff, , 2004, reproduction [Hagelin et al, 2003;Whitta ker et al, 2013], individual recognition [Bonadonna and Nevitt, 2004;De Leon et al, 2003], nest recognition [Bonadonna and Bretagnolle, 2002;Bonadonna et al, 2003aBonadonna et al, , b, 2004, communication [Hagelin et al, 2003], and mate choice [Whittaker et al, 2011. In addition, olfaction plays an important role in foraging in vultures (Cathartes melambrotus) [Graves, 1992], ravens (Corvus corax) [Harriman and Berger, 1986], parrots ( Strigops habroptilus [Hagelin, 2004] and Lorius garrulus flavopalliatus [Roper, 2003]), procellariiforms, (shearwaters, petrels, and albatrosses) [Hutchison and Wenzel, 1980], and kiwi (Apteryx mantelli) [Benham, 1906;Cunningham et al, 2009;Wenzel, 1968Wenzel, , 1971.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Anatomical Specializations for Enhanced Olfactory Sensitivity in Kiwi, <b><i>Apteryx mantelli</i></b>

et al. 2014

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The ability to function in a nocturnal and ground-dwelling niche requires a unique set of sensory specializations. The New Zealand kiwi has shifted away from vision, instead relying on auditory and tactile stimuli to function in its environment and locate prey. Behavioral evidence suggests that kiwi also rely on their sense of smell, using olfactory cues in foraging and possibly also in communication and social interactions. Anatomical studies appear to support these observations: the olfactory bulbs and tubercles have been suggested to be large in the kiwi relative to other birds, although the extent of this enlargement is poorly understood. In this study, we examine the size of the olfactory bulbs in kiwi and compare them with 55 other bird species, including emus, ostriches, rheas, tinamous, and 2 extinct species of moa (Dinornithiformes). We also examine the cytoarchitecture of the olfactory bulbs and olfactory epithelium to determine if any neural specializations beyond size are present that would increase olfactory acuity. Kiwi were a clear outlier in our analysis, with olfactory bulbs that are proportionately larger than those of any other bird in this study. Emus, close relatives of the kiwi, also had a relative enlargement of the olfactory bulbs, possibly supporting a phylogenetic link to well-developed olfaction. The olfactory bulbs in kiwi are almost in direct contact with the olfactory epithelium, which is indeed well developed and complex, with olfactory receptor cells occupying a large percentage of the epithelium. The anatomy of the kiwi olfactory system supports an enhancement for olfactory sensitivities, which is undoubtedly associated with their unique nocturnal niche.

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“…The importance of olfaction has been demonstrated amongst others in different species of Procelariiformes (e.g. Nevitt 2011, Bonadonnna andNevitt 2004), Galliformes (Hirao et al 2009), Spheniformes (Amo et al 2013a) and Passeriformes (Whittaker et al 2011, Amo et al 2013b). …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 89%

“…However, recent evidence suggest that, besides assessing predator chemical cues, birds use olfaction in several other contexts, from foraging (e.g. Nevitt 2011, Amo et al 2013a to social interactions including discrimination of species (Zhang et al 2013, Krause et al 2014, sex (Whittaker et al 2011, Amo et al 2012a) and even the relative quality/condition of individuals (Amo et al 2012b). The importance of olfaction has been demonstrated amongst others in different species of Procelariiformes (e.g.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evidence that the house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) uses scent to avoid omnivore mammals

Amo

López‐Rull

Pagán

et al. 2015

Rev. Chil. de Hist. Nat.

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Background: The detection of predator chemical cues is an important antipredatory behaviour as it allows an early assessment of predation risk without encountering the predator and therefore increases survival. For instance, since chemical cues are often by-products of metabolism, olfaction may gather information not only on the identity but also about the diet of predators in the vicinity. Knowledge of the role of olfaction in the interactions of birds with their environment, in contexts as important as predator avoidance, is still scarce. We conducted two two-choice experiments to explore 1) whether the house finch Carpodacus mexicanus can detect the chemical cues of a marsupial predatory mammal, the common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis), and 2) whether its response to such cues is influenced by the recent diet of this omnivorous predator, as this would increase the accuracy with which the risk of predation is assessed. Results: House finches avoided the area of the apparatus containing the scent of the predator, and this effect did not depend on the recent diet (bait used to lace the traps) of the predator. Conclusions: Our results provide clear evidence that house finches detect and use the chemical cues of predators to assess the level of predation risk of an area and avoid it.

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Intraspecific preen oil odor preferences in dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis)

Cited by 84 publications

References 52 publications

Social and extra-pair mating in relation to major histocompatibility complex variation in common yellowthroats

Social and extra-pair mating in relation to major histocompatibility complex variation in common yellowthroats

Anatomical Specializations for Enhanced Olfactory Sensitivity in Kiwi, <b><i>Apteryx mantelli</i></b>

Evidence that the house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) uses scent to avoid omnivore mammals

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