Elemental Analysis of Various Feathers of Indian Rose Ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri

Abstract

The plumage coloration is a costly phenomenon adapted by birds. In birds, coloration can occur either by pigmentation or structural variation. The feather coloration helps to find partner and protect from predators. A few birds adapted cosmetic coloration, to protect themselves from the predators either by gland secretion or by accumulating certain metals in feathers. Besides protection, what could be the role of metals in feathers has never been identified. The current study investigates the metal composition in different parts of the feathers of Indian parakeet (Psittacula krameri) which shows variation in coloration throughout the body. The male shows sexual dimorphism by wearing a red ring in the neck collar region. Here, we have analysed the metal composition in various feathers present in different parts of the body by XRD. The possible role of various metals in different parts of the Indian rose-ringed parakeet is also described in this study.