Register      Login
Emu Emu Society
Journal of BirdLife Australia
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Primary wing-moult in relation to body-mass, wing-length and latitude in four insectivorous passerines from southern Africa

Bo T. Bonnevie A C and Adrian J. F. K. Craig B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Information Technology Division, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa.

B Department of Zoology & Entomology, Rhodes University, P. O. Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa.

C Corresponding author. Email: b.bonnevie@ru.ac.za

Emu 114(4) 371-378 https://doi.org/10.1071/MU13072
Submitted: 8 August 2013  Accepted: 16 July 2014   Published: 3 November 2014

Abstract

In southern African passerine birds, the timing of moult often varies regionally in relation to breeding season and patterns of rainfall, and may also differ between sexes in sexually dimorphic species. However, the relationship between feeding ecology and moult has not been studied in this region. We investigated primary-moult, body-mass and wing-length in four southern African passerines belonging to a feeding guild of hawking (sallying) insectivores, using bird-banding (ringing) data. The timing of wing-moult, from December to April throughout the region, was very similar in all four species, in contrast to other sympatric species, which moult at different times in summer- and winter-rainfall regions. For each species the duration of moult decreased southwards, as did wing-length corrected for body-mass. There was no difference between the sexes in the timing or duration of wing-moult, even in sexually dimorphic species, but juveniles generally started moult later than adults and completed their moult more rapidly. Our results suggest that foraging ecology and life-history traits of insectivorous hawkers may constrain the timing of moult.

Additional keywords: African birds, foraging, morphology, moulting.


References

Allen, J. A. (1877). The influence of physical conditions in the genesis of species. Radical Review 1, 108–140.

Barta, Z., Houston, A. I., McNamara, J. M., Hedenström, A., Weber, T. P., and Feró, O. (2006). Annual routines of non-migratory birds: optimal moult strategies. Oikos 112, 580–593.
Annual routines of non-migratory birds: optimal moult strategies.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Barta, Z., McNamara, J. M., Houston, A. I., Weber, T. P., Hedenström, A., and Feró, O. (2008). Optimal moult strategies in migratory birds. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London – B. Biological Sciences 363, 211–229.
Optimal moult strategies in migratory birds.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bonnevie, B. T. (2010). Balancing moult data by subsampling non-moulting birds prior to regression analysis. Ostrich 81, 265–268.
Balancing moult data by subsampling non-moulting birds prior to regression analysis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bonnevie, B. T., and Oschadleus, H. D. (2010). Timing of primary wing moult in sexually dimorphic passerines from the Western Cape of South Africa. Ostrich 81, 63–67.
Timing of primary wing moult in sexually dimorphic passerines from the Western Cape of South Africa.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bonnevie, B. T., and Oschadleus, H. D. (2012). Adaptations in primary wing moult of southern African Viduidae and their hosts (Estrildidae). Ostrich 83, 91–98.
Adaptations in primary wing moult of southern African Viduidae and their hosts (Estrildidae).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Borras, A., Cabrera, T., Cabrera, J., and Sennar, J. C. (2004). Interlocality variation in speed of moult in the Citril Finch Serinus citrinella. Ibis 146, 14–17.
Interlocality variation in speed of moult in the Citril Finch Serinus citrinella.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Butler, L. K., Hayden, T. J., and Romero, L. M. (2008). Prebasic molt of Black-capped and White-eyed Vireos: effect of breeding site and the El Niño–Southern Oscillation. Condor 110, 428–440.
Prebasic molt of Black-capped and White-eyed Vireos: effect of breeding site and the El Niño–Southern Oscillation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Craig, A. J. F. K. (1983). Moult in southern African passerine birds: a review. Ostrich 54, 220–237.
Moult in southern African passerine birds: a review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Craig, A. J. F. K., Bonnevie, B. T., and Oschadleus, H. D. (2010). Regional patterns in moult and sexual dimorphism of adult Southern Red Bishops Euplectes orix in southern Africa. Ostrich 81, 123–128.
Regional patterns in moult and sexual dimorphism of adult Southern Red Bishops Euplectes orix in southern Africa.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Dawson, A. (2003). A detailed analysis of primary feather moult in the Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris – new feather mass increases at a constant rate. Ibis 145, E69–E76.
A detailed analysis of primary feather moult in the Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris – new feather mass increases at a constant rate.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Dawson, A., and Newton, I. (2004). Use and validation of a molt score index corrected for primary-feather mass. Auk 121, 372–379.
Use and validation of a molt score index corrected for primary-feather mass.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Dawson, A., Hinsley, S. A., Ferns, P. N., Bonser, R. H. C., and Eccleston, L. (2000). Rate of moult affects feather quality: a mechanism linking current reproductive effort to future survival. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London – B. Biological Sciences 267, 2093–2098.
Rate of moult affects feather quality: a mechanism linking current reproductive effort to future survival.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD3Mzls1Giug%3D%3D&md5=1928ca49910a10c186b35cf89c588922CAS |

de Beer, S. J., Lockwood, G. M., Raijmakers, J. H. F. A., Raijmakers, J. M. H., Scott, W. A., Oschadleus, H. D., and Underhill, L. G. (2001). ‘SAFRING Bird Ringing Manual.’ ADU Guide 5. (Animal Demography Unit, University of Cape Town: Cape Town, South Africa.)

de la Hera, I., Pérez-Tris, J., and Tellería, J. L. (2009a). Migratory behaviour affects the trade-off between feather growth rate and feather quality in a passerine bird. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 97, 98–105.
Migratory behaviour affects the trade-off between feather growth rate and feather quality in a passerine bird.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

de la Hera, I., Pérez-Tris, J., and Tellería, J. L. (2009b). Repeatable length and mass but not growth rate of individual feathers between moults in a passerine bird. Acta Ornithologica 44, 95–99.
Repeatable length and mass but not growth rate of individual feathers between moults in a passerine bird.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

de la Hera, I., Díaz, J. A., Pérez-Tris, J., and Tellería, J. L. (2009c). A comparative study of migratory behaviour and body mass as determinants of moult duration in passerines. Journal of Avian Biology 40, 461–465.
A comparative study of migratory behaviour and body mass as determinants of moult duration in passerines.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

de la Hera, I., Pérez-Tris, J., and Tellería, J. L. (2010). Relationships among timing of moult, moult duration and feather mass in long-distance migratory passerines. Journal of Avian Biology 41, 609–614.
Relationships among timing of moult, moult duration and feather mass in long-distance migratory passerines.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Erni, B., Bonnevie, B. T., Oschadleus, H.-D., Altwegg, R., and Underhill, L. G. (2013). moult: an R package to analyze moult in birds. Journal of Statistical Software 52, 1–23.

Figuerola, J., and Jovani, R. (2001). Ecological correlates in the evolution of moult strategies in Western Palearctic passerines. Evolutionary Ecology 15, 183–192.
Ecological correlates in the evolution of moult strategies in Western Palearctic passerines.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Flinks, H., Helm, B., and Rothery, P. (2008). Plasticity of moult and breeding schedules in migratory European Stonechats Saxicola rubicola. Ibis 150, 687–697.
Plasticity of moult and breeding schedules in migratory European Stonechats Saxicola rubicola.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Gardner, J. L., Marsack, P. R., and Blackmore, C. J. (2008). Timing and sequence of moult, and the trade-off with breeding, in the Speckled Warbler (Chthonicola sagittata). Emu 108, 90–96.
Timing and sequence of moult, and the trade-off with breeding, in the Speckled Warbler (Chthonicola sagittata).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ginn, H. B., and Melville, D. S. (1983). ‘Moult in Birds.’ (British Trust for Ornithology: Tring, UK.)

Green, A. J. (2000). The scaling and selection of sexually dimorphic characters: an example using the Marbled Teal. Journal of Avian Biology 31, 345–350.
The scaling and selection of sexually dimorphic characters: an example using the Marbled Teal.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hall, K. S. S., and Fransson, T. (2000). Lesser Whitethroats under time-constraint moult more rapidly and grow shorter wing feathers. Journal of Avian Biology 31, 583–587.
Lesser Whitethroats under time-constraint moult more rapidly and grow shorter wing feathers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hall, K. S. S., and Tullberg, B. S. (2004). Phylogenetic analyses of the diversity of moult strategies in Sylviidae in relation to migration. Evolutionary Ecology 18, 85–105.
Phylogenetic analyses of the diversity of moult strategies in Sylviidae in relation to migration.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hockey, P. A. R., Dean, W. R. J., and Ryan, P. G. (Eds) 2005. ‘Roberts Birds of Southern Africa.’ 7th edn. (John Voelcker Bird Book Fund: Cape Town.)

Hoye, B. J., and Buttemer, W. A. (2011). Inexplicable inefficiency of avian molt? Insights from an opportunistically breeding arid-zone species, Lichenostomus penicillatus. PLoS ONE 6, e16230.
Inexplicable inefficiency of avian molt? Insights from an opportunistically breeding arid-zone species, Lichenostomus penicillatus.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3MXitVGitbw%3D&md5=868a012ba1e9234905bc87dca6b2ed0aCAS | 21311594PubMed |

Jenni, L., and Winkler, R. (1994). ‘Moult and Ageing of European Passerines.’ (Academic Press: London.)

Kleiber, M. (1932). Body size and metabolism. Hilgardia 6, 315–351.
| 1:CAS:528:DyaA38XksVOqug%3D%3D&md5=a3417bb4d6fb65c72df9c9decae88e7eCAS |

Maclean, G. L. (1993). ‘Roberts’ Birds of Southern Africa.’ 6th edn. (John Voelcker Bird Book Fund: Cape Town.)

Marini, M. A., and Durães, R. (2001). Annual patterns of molt and reproductive activity of passerines in south-central Brazil. Condor 103, 767–775.
Annual patterns of molt and reproductive activity of passerines in south-central Brazil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Mewaldt, L. R., and King, J. R. (1978). Latitudinal variation of postnuptial molt in Pacific coast White-crowned Sparrows. Auk 95, 168–174.
Latitudinal variation of postnuptial molt in Pacific coast White-crowned Sparrows.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Oschadleus, H. D., and Underhill, L. G. (2006). Breeding seasonality and primary moult parameters of Euplectes species in South Africa. Ostrich 77, 142–152.
Breeding seasonality and primary moult parameters of Euplectes species in South Africa.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Oschadleus, H. D., Underhill, G. D., and Underhill, L. G. (2000). Timing of breeding and primary moult of the Masked Weaver Ploceus velatus in the summer and winter rainfall regions of South Africa. Ostrich 71, 91–94.
Timing of breeding and primary moult of the Masked Weaver Ploceus velatus in the summer and winter rainfall regions of South Africa.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

QGIS Development Team (2013). QGIS Geographic Information System. Open Source Geospatial Foundation Project. Available at http://qgis.osgeo.org [Verified 24 December 2013].

R Development Core Team (2009). ‘R: A Language and Environment for Statistical Computing.’ (R Foundation for Statistical Computing: Vienna, Austria.) Available at http://www.r-project.org [Verified 18 January 2013].

Repenning, M., and Fontana, C. S. (2011). Seasonality of breeding, moult and fat deposition of birds in subtropical lowlands of southern Brazil. Emu 111, 268–280.
Seasonality of breeding, moult and fat deposition of birds in subtropical lowlands of southern Brazil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Rohwer, S., Ricklefs, R. E., Rohwer, V. G., and Copple, M. M. (2009). Allometry of the duration of flight feather molt in birds. PLoS Biology 7, e1000132.
Allometry of the duration of flight feather molt in birds.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 19529759PubMed |

Silveira, M. B., and Marini, M. A. (2012). Timing, duration and intensity of molt in birds of a neotropical savanna in Brazil. Condor 114, 435–448.
Timing, duration and intensity of molt in birds of a neotropical savanna in Brazil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Stresemann, E., and Stresemann, V. (1966). Die mauser der vögel. Journal für Ornithologie 107, 1–445.

Summers, R. W., Swann, R. L., and Nicoll, M. (1980). Unbending moult data. Wader Study Group Bulletin 30, 12–13.

Underhill, L. G., and Zucchini, W. (1988). A model for avian primary moult. Ibis 130, 358–372.
A model for avian primary moult.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

van den Brink, B., Bijlsma, R. G., and Van der Have, T. M. (2000). European Swallows Hirundo rustica in Botswana during three non-breeding seasons: the effects of rainfall on moult. Ostrich 71, 198–204.
European Swallows Hirundo rustica in Botswana during three non-breeding seasons: the effects of rainfall on moult.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Verheyen, R. (1953). Exploration du Parc National de l’Upemba. Fascicule 19. Oiseaux. Institut des Parcs Nationaux du Congo Belge, Bruxelles.

Watt, C., Michell, S., and Salewski, V. (2010). Bergmann’s rule; a concept cluster? Oikos 119, 89–100.
Bergmann’s rule; a concept cluster?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wikelski, M., Spinney, L., Schelsky, W., Scheuerlein, A., and Gwinner, E. (2003). Slow pace of life in tropical sedentary birds: a common-garden experiment on four stonechat populations from different latitudes. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London – B. Biological Sciences 270, 2383–2388.
Slow pace of life in tropical sedentary birds: a common-garden experiment on four stonechat populations from different latitudes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |