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House Finch Family

© Jim Baines

House Finch Family

Uploaded: June 25, 2010

Description


Yellow variant
Carpodacus mexicanus


Exif: F Number: 8, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 10/2500 seconds, Flash: did not fire., ISO: 400, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 500.00 mm, Model: NIKON D200

Comments

Jim Baines level-classic June 25, 2010 0

The color of male feathers results from 3 carotenoid pigments: ß-carotene, which produces yellow to orange color in feathers; isocryptoxanthin, which produces orange color in feathers; and echinenone, which produces red color in feathers. By doing controlled feeding experiments with captive house finches researchers found that all individual male finches in all populations all over the U.S. have same potential to be pink, orange, or yellow; the color variation based on the finch’s access to carotenoid pigments when they are molting (shedding old feathers and growing in new ones).
In experiments, males that were fed a plain seed diet, which was fully nutritious but provided few carotenoid pigments, all males grew feathers with similar pale yellow coloration. On a seed diet with ß-carotene added, all males grew pale orange feathers. And, on a seed diet with the red carotenoid canthaxanthin added, all males grew bright red feathers. So, this male is getting his ß-carotene, but not the right carotenoids for red feathers.

#1282036

Val Feldman level-classic June 25, 2010 0

Well, I'll be doggoned! I never knew! Guess the males in my area have huge doses of carotenoid canthaxanthin added to their diet - a nice cheery (cherry?!) red, they are...BTW, a beautiful capture of both parents and a demanding young'un...love the bit of seed caught of Momma's beak. Good to see you back, T'weed! #8716077

Bonnie C. Lackey level-classic June 25, 2010 0

Hi, Jim. We have the red cc's here. You are just a wealth of information. Cool picture, too. #8716128

Kay E. Mahoney level-classic June 25, 2010 0

Nice capture, Jim. Love how you got them all together. Nice information. #8716141

Michelle Alton June 25, 2010 0

Sibley would be astonished at this shot!
Well, who wouldn't?

Hmm. T'weed...I LIKE that Tenny! #8716304

Tammy Espino June 27, 2010 0

Sweet capture, got that seed in mid air!! #8719998

Tammy Espino July 12, 2010 0

Congrats on your awesome finalist :) #8751360

Michelle Alton July 12, 2010 0

This shot was destined to "fly high!"
Congratulations, Jim. I also see "winner" written on it! #8752322

Cassie L. Woodlee July 12, 2010 0

Wonderful finalist, congrats!! #8753342

Stefania Barbier level-classic July 13, 2010 0

gorgeous, congrats on your finalist! #8756199

Jeff Robinson level-deluxe July 13, 2010 0

Congrats Jim on your Finalist!! Jeff #8757566

Val Feldman level-classic July 13, 2010 0

It was that flying seed that did it, T'weed!! :):) Excellent TX-Style-Grand capture! All the best to you, my friend, in the upcoming round! #8757590

Bonnie C. Lackey level-classic July 13, 2010 0

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you - how many times do we get to see the seed in action! #8757613

Marsha S. Smith July 13, 2010 0

Cool capture and congrats, Jim! #8758114

Merna L. Nobile July 15, 2010 0

BEAUTIFUL! Congratulations on your Finalist Award for June, 2010. Merna #8765900

Jane E. Kirn July 18, 2010 0

A great bird capture! Looks as if they are discussing many issues. Love it, Congratulations. #8770357

Nancy (Peaches) Harker August 24, 2010 0

Beautiful capture Jim, HUGE congrats on your finalist! #8859006

Jane E. Kirn August 24, 2010 0

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S !!!!! Well done and deserved Jim. #8859261

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