The Relationship Between Aerial Courtship Displays and Sexual Dimorphism

Authors

Hibat Gillani, Kenyon CollegeFollow
Wren Luo, Kenyon CollegeFollow
Ally Zimmerman, Kenyon CollegeFollow
Laura Mentze, Kenyon College
Natalie Wright, Kenyon CollegeFollow

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Summer 2025

Abstract

Aerial courtship displays are energetically demanding flight behaviors performed by birds to attract mates. These displays may drive differences between males and females in wing structure and flight muscle investment. We measured wing bone morphology across multiple bird species using imaging calibrations. Our goal was to determine whether males in high-display species exhibit greater development of flight-related traits compared to females.

Recommended Citation

Gillani, Hibat; Luo, Wren; Zimmerman, Ally; Mentze, Laura; and Wright, Natalie, "The Relationship Between Aerial Courtship Displays and Sexual Dimorphism" (2025). Kenyon Summer Science Scholars Program. Paper 776.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/summerscienceprogram/776