Egg carotenoids in passerine birds introduced to New Zealand: relations to ecological factors, integument coloration and phylogeny

Abstract

1. Carotenoids are a diverse group of organic compounds that function as important antioxidants and immunostimulants and are of particular importance to developing embryos and young birds. In addition, they constitute the majority of yellow to red hues in the integumentary pigments of birds. 2. We investigated the maternally derived carotenoid concentrations and balances in the yolks of eight European passerine species successfully introduced and abundant in New Zealand. Specifically, we addressed whether variation in maternally derived yolk carotenoids were related to phylogeny, integument coloration, native vs introduced distribution, breeding habitat and laying sequence. 3. Across species, the concentration and balance of carotenoids deposited in yolks varied significantly. Egg carotenoid concentration was positively associated with the occurrence of male carotenoid pigmented body regions. Carotenoid concentrations differed between agricultural habitat types within New Zealand but not between samples from New Zealand and Europe. Controlling for the differences among species, and among clutches within species, increased egg carotenoid concentrations were significantly associated with decreasing fresh egg mass and eggs laid earlier in the laying sequence. 4. We conclude that variability in the concentration and balance of carotenoids deposited in the egg yolk imply different relative roles for ecological and phylogenetic factors that warrant further investigation, both within and across species.