Colouration of the uropygial secretion in starling nestlings: a possible role of bacteria in parent-offspring communication.

Abstract

The use of cosmetic substances in communication is widespread in animals. Birds, for instance, use their uropygial secretion as a cosmetic in scenarios of sexual selection and parent-offspring communication. This secretion harbours symbiotic bacteria that could mediate the synthesis of pigments for cosmetic colouration. Here, we investigate the association between bacteria and the conspicuous yellow secretion used by spotless starling (Sturnus unicolor) nestlings to stain their mouths, and hypothesize a possible role of bacteria in the colour production. We also experimentally explore how nestling oxidizing condition influences the microbiota, suggesting that the possible bacterial-mediated coloured secretion acts as a reliable honest signal. An antioxidant supplementation experiment, previously known to affect secretion and mouth colouration, was conducted to assess its impact on the microbial community of secretions from control and experimental siblings. Antioxidant supplementation increased richness and phylogenetic diversity of the secretion's microbiota. Moreover, the microbiota's alpha and beta diversity, and the abundance of two bacterial genera (Parabacteroides and Pseudogracilibacillus), correlated with secretion colour. These findings demonstrate that antioxidant condition influences the gland microbiota of starling nestlings, and suggest a link between bacteria and the colouration of their cosmetic secretion. Alternative explanations for the detected links between bacteria and colouration are discussed.