Birds Losing Feather Colors: Another Effect of Climate Change, Study Reveals

A 15-year study on the common bird known as the blue tit found that as a result of climate change, birds were far less vibrant as their feathers lost their usual bright color.

Because our feathered friends rely on their plumage to attract mates, it is dulling flashy colorful feathers and endangering their ability to survive.

The occurrence raises concerns as it may result in fewer new chicks.

According to Dr. David Lopez-Idiaquez of the University of the Basque Country in Spain, characteristics like coloring serve as signals to let other people know how good a specimen is. For instance, when it comes to breeding, they are decisive. Lopez-Idiaquez is the lead author of the study.

Iconic Blue Tit + 15 Years of Study

The conclusions are based on observations of the iconic blue tit, which is distinguished by a bright blue crest and a yellow breast.

Two populations of the bird species in southern France were monitored for 15 years; one was in Corsica and the other was near Montpellier.

According to their study's findings, both groups' average levels of color decreased from 2005 to 2019.

According to Lopez-Idiaquez, their research indicates that environmental changes, particularly climate change, maybe the primary cause of changes in the physical characteristics of birds like the blue tit, particularly in the intensity and brightness of their coloration.

He continued by stating that both sexes and populations have shown a negative trend in terms of the brightness and intensity of their plumage coloration, though in Corsica this transformation is likely related to the changes in the local climate.

Climate Change + Reproduction

Climate change would potentially be the cause of this difference because the change in plumage color appears to be the result of both a rise in temperature of 34 degrees Fahrenheit and a decrease in rainfall of 0.64 mm.

"Sexual dichromatism" refers to the color variation between sexes in birds.

Charles Darwin noted a female preference for vivid colors in males, which he used to support his "theory of evolution."

Variations in Territory and Pattern

The breeding blue tits were caught every year during the study period, allowing for further than 5,800 observational data on coloring and other traits.

The international team warns that these changes will have a huge impact on the reproduction of the species, which is endangering their existence.

Animals' genetic makeup or physical characteristics can change in response to changes in territory. They might also move or vanish.

Lopez-Idiaquez said that It is crucial to emphasize that this change is plastic in nature rather than genetic and is a result of the body adjusting to its environment.

He added that Given that the surroundings are very similar, despite being less hot, the birds might be going through the same change.

In any case, he continued, there have only been four studies of this kind conducted globally, and none of them have been in the Basque Country.

More of this kind of research, not just on a Basque level but also nationally, in his opinion, would be quite interesting to conduct.

A University of Sheffield study published last month discovered that birds are changing their distinctive features to adapt to climate change.

They can change their shape, such as by growing larger beaks that help regulate body temperature.

Animals such as rabbits and elephants are coping by growing larger ears, according to Australian scientists who made this discovery last year.

Elephants use them as fans, and rabbits' extensive blood vessel network constricts to help them cool off, Newsweek reports.