Wings of tropical finches: interspecific differences in shape are consistent with levels of mobility, but moult and feather fault patterns are more complex

• Published in: Emu Vol. 117; no. 4; pp. 370 - 381
• Main Authors: Franklin, Donald C., Legge, Sarah, Skroblin, Anja, Heathcote, Joanne, Maute, Kimberly, Schaefer, Douglas J., Garnett, Stephen T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 02.10.2017
• Subjects: Australia; birds; ecological differentiation; Erythrura gouldiae; Feather fault; feathers; flight; Gouldian Finch; interspecific variation; life history; migratory behavior; molting; moult strategy; Neochmia phaeton; nomadic bird; Poephila; sedentary species; Taeniopygia; tropical savannah; wing shape; wings; Australia

Birds' wings reflect their life histories, suggesting evolutionary selection for wing shapes and moult strategies. Compared to sedentary species, long-distance migrants have narrower wings (for fast, efficient flight); they have fewer feather faults and avoid moulting flight feathers during mig...