International Journal of Molecular Zoology 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 141-153 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmz 149 Figure 3 Typical appearance of birds in different plumage stages (Adopted from Doucet et al., 2018) Image caption: (A) female or male in juvenal; plumage, (B) male in red-cap plumage, (C) male in black-face plumage, (D) male in blue-back plumage, and (E) male in definitive plumage (Adopted from Doucet et al., 2018). 8.2 Contrasts with species showing early plumage maturation In contrast, species such as the European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) exhibit early plumage maturation, where juveniles quickly acquire adult-like plumage before their first breeding season. This rapid maturation allows young birds to compete more effectively for mates and breeding territories, providing immediate reproductive advantages. Early plumage maturation is often favored in species with high predation pressures or those where early breeding is crucial for reproductive success (Allen et al., 2022). In the Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola), older birds with brighter, more developed plumage are in better condition and exhibit higher reproductive success compared to their younger, duller counterparts. This early maturation and signaling of quality through plumage color allows these birds to secure better territories and mates, highlighting the contrast between species with early and delayed plumage maturation strategies (Marques-Santos et al., 2018). 8.3 Insights gained from comparative studies Comparative studies of DPM across different bird species provide valuable insights into the adaptive significance and evolutionary mechanisms underlying this trait. One key insight is that DPM often evolves in species where juvenile birds benefit more from increased survival and reduced social aggression than from immediate reproductive opportunities. This trade-off is evident in species with long lifespans and complex social structures, where delayed acquisition of adult plumage allows juveniles to grow, learn, and improve their competitive abilities without facing the risks associated with early breeding (Lyu et al., 2015).
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