Spectroradiometric quantification of the color variation in specimens from Myioborus brunniceps deposited in the ornithological collection of the FML, Tucumán, Argentina

ATENCIO, NELSON OMAR; SANDOVAL SALINAS, MARÍA LEONOR

Puerto Iguazú

Congreso; Ornithological Congress of the Americas; 2017

Aves Argentinas, Sociedade Brasileira de Ornitologia, Association of Field Ornithologists

The world is full of color, but this is not an intrinsic feature of the objects but the result of sensations processed by our brains, which gives rise to the psychophisiological phenomenon of vision. Estimating the variation in the color of bird skins deposited in museums forms the basis for many research topics. In this sense, biological collections are an invaluable tool for knowledge and protection of biodiversity. This study will ask about some variables (storage time, sex, time of year and geographical location of the collection event) that could affect the plumage coloration of M. brunniceps specimens deposited in COFML, using reflectance spectroradiometry on a sample of n = 47 taxidermized skins. Color coordinates L*a*b* were recorded at three points in each of the four body regions of each specimen. Our results suggest caution in using data from M. brunniceps specimens stored in collections to test hypotheses on plumage coloration patterns, since we recorded a color variation with respect to storage time of the skins, associated with evidence of cryptic and seasonal sexual dichromatism not described so far. We recommend extending the study sample and the use of color quantification devices that allow recording of spectral data in the UV range. In addition, we emphasize the need to continue collection campaigns in order to record long-term variations in populations that can be contrasted with live specimens.