Fluorescent ornamentation in the Rhinoceros Auklet Cerorhinca monocerata. (25th February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wilkinson, Bradley P.; Johns, Michael E.; Warzybok, Pete
• Is Part Of: Ibis. Volume 161:Number 3(2019)
• Page Start: 694
• Page End: 698
• Publication Date: 2019-02-25
• Subjects: biofluorescence -- reproductive signalling -- seabird -- ultraviolet light; Birds -- Periodicals; 598
• DOI: 10.1111/ibi.12715
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0019-1019

Abstract

Abstract : Avian species have developed a range of markers for transmitting information, among them ornamented plumage, behavioural patterns and conspicuous bill structures. Members of the marine subfamily Fraterculinae have some of the most visibly noticeable ornaments among seabirds, and some species have been recently found to possess fluorescent properties in seasonally acquired bill plates. We examined a member of this subfamily, the Rhinoceros Auklet Cerorhinca monocerata, for fluorescence in the upper and lower mandibles as well as the namesake horn grown in preparation for mate selection. Fluorescence was noted primarily in the horn of adults, with greater variation present among individuals than between the sexes.