The colorful phenotypes of birds have long provided rich source material for evolutionary
biologists. Avian plumage, beaks, skin, and eggs—which exhibit a stunning range of cryptic …

Hybrid zones offer a window into the processes and outcomes of evolution, from species
formation or fusion to genomic underpinnings of specific traits and isolating mechanisms …

Many animals use visual signals to communicate; birds use colorful plumage to attract mates
and repel intruders. Visual signal conspicuousness is influenced by the lighting …

Sensory systems are predicted to be adapted to the perception of important stimuli, such as
signals used in communication. Prior work has shown that female zebra finches perceive the …

Carotenoids color many of the red, orange and yellow ornaments of birds and also shape
avian vision. The carotenoid-pigmented oil droplets in cone photoreceptors filter incoming …

Hosts of avian brood parasites are under intense selective pressure to prevent or reduce the
cost of parasitism. Many have evolved refined egg discrimination abilities, which can select …

Many animals use assessment signals to resolve contests over limited resources while
minimizing the costs of those contests. The carotenoid‐based orange to red bills of male …

In order to gain deeper insight into how diverse animals experience the world, we need a
thorough understanding of their sensory and perceptual experiences. This chapter provides …

Animals often use assessment signals to communicate information about their quality to a
variety of receivers, including potential mates, competitors, and predators. But what …