Carotenoid-based status signaling by females in the tropical streak-backed oriole

In many tropical bird species, both males and females maintain elaborate plumage traits. Although there is considerable evidence that many male plumage traits function as status signals that convey information about fighting ability, less is known about status signaling in females. We tested whether the carotenoid-based orange breast coloration of the female streak-backed oriole (Icterus pustulatus pustulatus) signals status during territorial interactions. To do this, we simulated territorial intrusions using taxidermic models and compared the roles of the sexes within pairs during territorial defense directed toward different types of simulated intruders. Females were more territorial than their mates during the breeding season, whereas males were more territorial than their mates in the nonbreeding season, contrary to patterns seen in studies of temperate zone birds. The coloration of simulated female intruders also influenced territorial responses: When presented with color-augmented female models, females responded with greater intensity than their mates, whereas the intensity of defense was similar for both sexes when presented with average-colored female models. The greater female response to more colorful intruders suggests that females perceive more ornamented females as greater threats to their territorial tenure or to their pair bond. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that female carotenoid-based coloration signals status in this species. Copyright 2009, Oxford University Press.