Setophaga write-up pt 2

Plumage Trait: Breast Color

    The breast color seemed to evolve to become yellow one time. A number of the outgroups had black or grey coloration but once the yellow color evolved it was passed down the lineage, with the only exceptions being in the eight species that evolved out of the yellow coloration later. The purpose for the coloration, as discussed in class, is to attract mates. The bright yellow color clearly was advantageous from this perspective as many of the species continue to show this trait today.

Plumage Trait: Throat Color

    The throat color seemed to evolve the dominant yellow shade twice and the trait seemed to be lost at least twice as well. As far as the outgroups are concerned, the dominant yellow that appears in more derived species was never present. The reason behind the yellow coloration could have been sexual selection or a method of camouflage, but that depends on the habitat of the species.