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Clothes Make the Man, Markings Make the Bird

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Researchers have found that slightly changing a bird’s appearance also changes its behavior. In a recent study, researchers darkened the reddish breast feathers of male barn swallows using a cheap marker. Within a week, the birds had higher testosterone levels! Dr. Kevin McGraw is co-author of the study and an evolutionary biology professor at Arizona State University.


Comments

  • [1] Jim Davis from South Orange, NJ June 19, 2008 - 01:12PM

    What is the air velocity of an unladen New Jersey Barn Swallow?


  • [2] sue from NJ June 19, 2008 - 01:12PM

    I was curious if your guest might know where do birds "hunker down" when a storm comes? we have been getting so many lately I was wondering if they find shelter in anything other than trees?


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