Carotenoids are of great interest due to their essential biological functions in both plants and
animals. However, the properties and functions of carotenoids in natural systems are …

Avian plumage has captivated scientists and the public alike for generations and has been a
fundamental study system for research into signal evolution. By contrast, relatively little …

Carotenoids are considered a limited resource for animals because they are not synthesised
by the body. Birds use carotenoids, mainly xanthophylls, for physiological functions, such as …

As the world experiences rapid urban expansion, natural landscapes are being transformed
into cities at an alarming rate. Consequently, urbanization is identified as one of the biggest …

Carotenoids are colored pigments forming the basis of many avian social traits. Before their
utilization carotenoids must be acquired through diet and mobilized for specific uses. The …

Widespread across open lands and cities of Europe, Africa, and Asia, the common kestrel
(Falco tinnunculus) is one of the most abundant and studied birds of prey. This book brings …

Carotenoid-based skin colorations vary seasonally in many bird species and are thought to
be honest sexually selected signals. In order to provide more insight in the potential signal …

Nest-dwelling ectoparasites are a major source of stress for growing nestling birds, as they
can negatively impact on growth and physiology, with consequences on pre-fledging …

It is recognized that carotenoids are useful anti-oxidants in embryo and hatchling avian
models. However, recent evidence suggests that the anti-oxidant role of carotenoids in …

Most of our understanding of the function of colored traits displayed by birds and the
mechanisms that produce or maintain them comes from studies on adults. However, colored …