MELANISTIC ADULT MALE NORTHERN HARRIER WINTERING IN IDAHO

Abstract

Melanism (dark coloration) is a condition resulting from a greater than normal expression of the eumelanin pigments in the plumage (Gill 1990). The dark coloration can be advantageous to raptors by increasing the feathers’ resistance to bacterial degradation (Goldstein et al. 2004). Conversely, abnormally dark pigmentation can reduce success in pairing by dissuading key species-identification cues (García 2003) and decrease lifetime reproductive success by increasing mortality (Krüger and Lindström 2001).