Plumage variability, status signalling and individual recognition in avian flocks

A decade ago it was suggested that much of the plumage variability exhibited by flocking birds can be explained by 'status signalling', plumage variability being used to signal agonistic status(1). As a result of this suggestion, a number of studies have examined the social significance of plumage differences, but the status signalling hypothesis has not received unequivocal support. Other factors, such as the facilitation of individual recognition, also appear to be important in explaining plumage variability.