Abstract

ESPINOSA, Camilo; CASTRO, Isabel  and  CRUZ-BERNATE, Lorena. Cryptic sexual dimorphism in saffron finch (Sicalis flaveola, Aves: Thraupidae) in the tropic. Bol. Cient. Mus. Hist. Nat. Univ. Caldas [online]. 2021, vol.25, n.1, pp.55-70.  Epub July 13, 2021. ISSN 0123-3068.  https://doi.org/10.17151/bccm.2021.25.1.4.

The morphometric differences between the sexes in Sicalis flaveola from Valle del Cauca, southwest Colombia were evaluated. Sex was determined using molecular methods, reproductive behavior and morphological characters. A discriminant function analysis was carried out on 12 body measurements from individuals with mature plumage. Body measurements were very similar between the sexes in line with what was expected from monogamous passerines. Males were significantly larger than females in wings, rectrices, and distance between primary and secondary wing feathers while females had significantly wider beaks than males. An equation was found that that allows the identification of sex with an accuracy of 77.8 %. The morphometric method is proposed as an alternative of lower physiological and economic cost compared to molecular methods for determining the sex of individuals of the species.

Keywords : Body size; Colombia; discriminant function analysis; morphometric; Saffron Finch; Thraupidae; tropical region.

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