International Journal of Molecular Zoology 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 141-153 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmz 141 Research Report Open Access Delayed Plumage Maturation in Juvenile Males of the White-bellied Shortwing (Brachypteryx leucophrys) Jia Chen , Xian Li Tropical Animal Resources Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572000, Hainan, China Corresponding author: jia.chen@hitar.org International Journal of Molecular Zoology, 2024, Vol.14, No.3 doi: 10.5376/ijmz.2024.14.0014 Received: 09 Mar., 2024 Accepted: 21 Apr., 2024 Published: 12 May, 2024 Copyright © 2024 Chen and Li, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Chen J., and Li X., 2024, Delayed plumage maturation in juvenile males of the white-bellied shortwing (Brachypteryx leucophrys), International Journal of Molecular Zoology, 14(3): 141-153 (doi: 10.5376/ijmz.2024.14.0014) Abstract This study explores the White-bellied Shortwing, a species of warbler that is easily identifiable by its distinctive white belly and dark upper parts. The focus of the study is on the delayed feather moult (DPM) in young male individuals, who maintain darker plumage similar to that of females to avoid attack and predation by adult males. This DPM is believed to have adaptive value for survival and reproduction. The study recorded the transition from juvenile to adult plumage in young male birds and explored the impact of DPM on survival rates, social interactions, and breeding success. The results show that retaining juvenile plumage helps to improve survival rates in the early critical period and reduces social conflicts. By understanding these mechanisms, the study provides valuable data for the conservation strategy of the White-bellied Shortwing, emphasizing the importance of protecting its habitat. Keywords White-bellied shortwing; Delayed feather moult; Western ghats; Survival strategy; Conservation strategy 1 Introduction The White-bellied Shortwing (Brachypteryx leucophrys), also known as the Nilgiri Blue Robin, is a small passerine bird that is endemic to the high-altitude shola forests of the Western Ghats in southern India. This species is characterized by its striking white belly contrasted with its dark, often bluish upperparts, making it a visually distinct bird within its habitat. The White-bellied Shortwing is primarily found in the undergrowth of dense montane forests, which provide it with shelter and abundant food sources. These birds are known for their secretive nature, often skulking in the dense foliage and thus being difficult to observe directly (Purushotham and Robin, 2016). The species is currently listed as vulnerable due to the significant loss and fragmentation of its habitat, primarily caused by deforestation and the expansion of agricultural activities. Conservation efforts are crucial for maintaining the population of this bird, which is not only a unique part of the region's biodiversity but also an important indicator of the health of its montane forest ecosystem (Vijayan, 2010). Studying the plumage maturation in birds, and specifically the phenomenon of delayed plumage maturation (DPM), offers significant insights into the adaptive strategies and evolutionary processes at play. Delayed plumage maturation is a condition where juvenile males do not immediately acquire their adult plumage but retain a more subdued, often female-like appearance for a longer period. This delay can extend beyond the first breeding season and has been observed in many bird species (Robin, 2010). Understanding DPM is essential as it can reveal how juvenile birds navigate the complex social dynamics within their species, reduce aggression from dominant adult males, and potentially enhance their survival rates during the critical early stages of their life. In species like the White-bellied Shortwing, where habitat conditions and social structures can be particularly challenging, DPM might play a crucial role in balancing the risks and benefits associated with early breeding and resource competition (Delhey et al., 2020). By studying these mechanisms, researchers can better understand the life history strategies of the species, contributing to more effective conservation and management practices (Allen et al., 2022). This study achieves several key objectives concerning the White-bellied Shortwing and its plumage maturation patterns. It documents the various stages of plumage maturation in juvenile males, providing a detailed account of
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