Food and sex: ecological and sexual roles of a functional ornament, the red bill of the sooty oystercatcher

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Little is understood about the significance of ornaments in species where both sexes are equally ornamented. Using sooty oystercatchers as a model, in a novel integrative approach I will investigate the role of their bright red bill as a signal of mate qualities, as well as the consequences of sex differences in bill and diet. Although sexual diet specialisation is common, few studies have examined its function. Sooty oystercatchers are one of only seven waders to breed in Australia and one of our most visible coastal birds. Since their life history is largely unknown, aside from the academic benefits, this project will also yield valuable information on breeding and foraging requirements of this locally common but declining species.