SEVILLE, Spain, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- Flamingos aren't above using a little "powder and paint" to make themselves more attractive to potential mates during breeding season, Spanish researchers say.
Researchers at the Estacion Biologica de Donana in Seville, Spain, found the birds transfer color pigments called carotenoids from the secretions of a gland near their tail for cosmetic reasons, ScienceDaily.com reported.
A number of bird species modify the color of their feathers by deliberately applying substances produced by secretions of the uropygial gland, which may contain orange, red or yellow pigments.
The researchers studied seasonal variations in plumage color in relation to courtship activity of the Phoenicopterus roseus flamingo in Spain.
They found the plumage of flamingos was more colorful during periods in which the birds were displaying for mates and faded during the rest of the year, with the fading occurring shortly after the birds started to breed.
"Our findings in flamingos have important implications for the theories of sexual selection and signaling, highlighting the key role of the manipulation of plumage color by the birds themselves to improve signal efficacy," researcher Juan Amat said.
