Eyes of love: Java sparrows increase eye ring conspicuousness when pair-bonded
Abstract
Conspicuous facial features, such as blushing in primates, can communicate social/emotional/physiological states in animals. However, the role of bare facial features is less well studied in birds than in humans or primates. We investigate the Java sparrow, which is characterised by conspicuous rings of swollen and blushed bare skin around the eye. Eye rings show no clear sex difference, although the swelling is associated with breeding. Java sparrows are socially monogamous, with mutual courtships and long-term pair-bonding. Therefore, it is plausible that eye rings function in within-pair communication. Specifically, do eye rings reflect……
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Article Information:
Eyes of love: Java sparrows increase eye ring conspicuousness when pair-bonded
Jenna Onaga,Masayo Soma, PLOS ONE
Published: October 25, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0292074
