The dark side of birds: melanism—facts and fiction

Linking color polymorphism maintenance and speciation

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Comparative genetics of coat colour in mammals.

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Colour polymorphism in birds: causes and functions

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A window on the genetics of evolution: MC1R and plumage colouration in birds

Mundy, N. I. (2005) · Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences · doi:10.1098/rspb.2005.3107 · Cited by 328 · see citing works

The molecular basis of an avian plumage polymorphism in the wild

Theron, E., Hawkins, K., Bermingham, E., Ricklefs, R. E., & Mundy, N. I. (2001) · Current Biology · doi:10.1016/s0960-9822(01)00158-0 · Cited by 278 · see citing works

POLYMORPHISM

Ford, E. B. (1945) · Biological reviews/Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society · doi:10.1111/j.1469-185x.1945.tb00315.x · Cited by 276 · see citing works

Melanocortin 1‐receptor (MC1R) mutations are associated with plumage colour in chicken

Kerje, S., Lind, J., Schütz, K. E., Jensen, P., & Andersson, L. (2003) · Animal Genetics · doi:10.1046/j.1365-2052.2003.00991.x · Cited by 213 · see citing works

Accelerated speciation in colour-polymorphic birds

Hugall, A. F., & Stuart-Fox, D. (2012) · Nature · doi:10.1038/nature11050 · Cited by 211 · see citing works

The Snow Geese of La Pérouse Bay: Natural Selection in the Wild

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Association between melanism, physiology and behaviour: A role for the melanocortin system

Roulin, A., & Ducrest, A. (2011) · European Journal of Pharmacology · doi:10.1016/j.ejphar.2011.01.036 · Cited by 141 · see citing works

A history of the birds of New Zealand

Buller, W. L., & Keulemans, J. G. (1873) · John Van Voorst eBooks · doi:10.5962/bhl.title.50671 · Cited by 139 · see citing works

Characterization of Japanese Quail yellow as a Genomic Deletion Upstream of the Avian Homolog of the Mammalian ASIP (agouti) Gene

Nadeau, N. J., Minvielle, F., Ito, S., Inoue‐Murayama, M., Gourichon, D., Follett, S. A., Burke, T. A., & Mundy, N. I. (2008) · Genetics · doi:10.1534/genetics.107.077073 · Cited by 104 · see citing works

Morphism in birds

Huxley, J. S. (1955) · Cited by 77 · see citing works

Recessive black Is Allelic to the yellow Plumage Locus in Japanese Quail and Associated With a Frameshift Deletion in the ASIP Gene

Hiragaki, T., Inoue‐Murayama, M., Miwa, M., Fujiwara, A., Mizutani, M., Minvielle, F., & Ito, S. (2008) · Genetics · doi:10.1534/genetics.107.077040 · Cited by 70 · see citing works

Genetic divergences and intraspecific variation in corvids of the genus Corvus (Aves: Passeriformes: Corvidae) - a first survey based on museum specimens

Haring, E., Däubl, B., Pinsker, W., Kryukov, A. P., & Gamauf, A. (2012) · Journal of Zoological Systematics & Evolutionary Research · doi:10.1111/j.1439-0469.2012.00664.x · Cited by 69 · see citing works

Mutations in different pigmentation genes are associated with parallel melanism in island flycatchers

Uy, J. A. C., Cooper, E., Cutie, S., Concannon, M. R., Poelstra, J. W., Moyle, R. G., & Filardi, C. E. (2016) · Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences · doi:10.1098/rspb.2016.0731 · Cited by 64 · see citing works

Pair Composition and Reproductive Success across a Hybrid Zone of Carrion Crows and Hooded Crows

Saino, N., & Villa, S. (2024) · Digital Commons - University of South Florida (University of South Florida) · Cited by 63 · see citing works

The Colors of Mice: A Model Genetic Network

Lamoreux, M. L., Delmas, V., Larue, L., & Bennett, D. C. (2010) · Cited by 60 · see citing works

AN ANALYSIS OF A MORPH RATIO CLINE IN THE BANANAQUIT (COEREBA FLAVEOLA) ON GRENADA, WEST INDIES

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An analysis of population genetic differentiation and genotype–phenotype association across the hybrid zone of carrion and hooded crows using microsatellites andMC1R

Haas, F., Pointer, M. A., Saino, N., Brodin, A., Mundy, N. I., & Hansson, B. (2008) · Molecular Ecology · doi:10.1111/j.1365-294x.2008.04017.x · Cited by 55 · see citing works

Cuckoos of the World

Erritzøe, J., Mann, C. F., Brammer, F. P., & Fuller, R. A. (2012) · Cited by 45 · see citing works

Polymorphism and the evolution of a continuous breeding season in the pigeon, Columba livia.

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Differential Perch Site Selection by Color Morphs of the Red-Tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

Preston, C. R. (1980) · Digital Commons - University of South Florida (University of South Florida) · doi:10.1093/auk/97.4.782 · Cited by 39 · see citing works

Genetic Basis of Color Variation in Wild Birds

Mundy, N. I. (2006) · Harvard University Press eBooks · doi:10.2307/j.ctv22jnscm.14 · Cited by 38 · see citing works

Foraging differences between white and dark morphs of the Pacific Reef Heron Egretta sacra

Rohwer, S. A. (1990) · Ibis · doi:10.1111/j.1474-919x.1990.tb01012.x · Cited by 31 · see citing works

A general history of birds.

Latham, J., & Latham, J. (1821) · doi:10.5962/bhl.title.49448 · Cited by 31 · see citing works

Stress response varies with plumage colour and local habitat in feral pigeons

Corbel, H., Gros, A. L., Haussy, C., Jacquin, L., Gasparini, J., Karimi, B., & Frantz, A. (2016) · Journal für Ornithologie · doi:10.1007/s10336-016-1331-9 · Cited by 27 · see citing works

Melanism in guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) is associated with a deletion of Phenylalanine‐256 in the MC1R gene

Vidal, O., Araguas, R., Fernández, R., Heras, S., Sanz, N., & Plá, C. (2010) · Animal Genetics · doi:10.1111/j.1365-2052.2010.02056.x · Cited by 25 · see citing works

Selective aggressiveness and dominance among carrion crows, hooded crows and hybrids

Saino, N., & Scatizzi, L. (1991) · Bolletino di zoologia · doi:10.1080/11250009109355762 · Cited by 24 · see citing works

Phenotype-dependent selection of juvenile urban Feral PigeonsColumba livia

Haag‐Wackernagel, D., Heeb, P., & Leiss, A. (2006) · Bird Study · doi:10.1080/00063650609461429 · Cited by 23 · see citing works

A Study on the Hybridization between Carrion and Hooded Crow in Northwestern Italy

Rolando, A. (1993) · Ornis Scandinavica · doi:10.2307/3676414 · Cited by 23 · see citing works

Selektive Partnerwahl der Aaskrähe (Corvus corone) in der Hybridisierungszone von Rabenkrähe (C. c. corone) und Nebelkrähe (C. c. cornix)

Risch, M., & Andersen, L. (1998) · Journal für Ornithologie · doi:10.1007/bf01651226 · Cited by 18 · see citing works

HABITAT SELECTION OF HOODED AND CARRION CROWS IN THE ALPINE HYBRID ZONE

Rolando, A., & Laiolo, P. (1994) · Institutional Research Information System University of Turin (University of Turin) · Cited by 15 · see citing works

Colour aberrations in extinct and endangered birds

HUME, J. P., & van Grouw, H. (2014) · Natural History Museum, London · doi:10.5281/zenodo.16528855 · Cited by 15 · see citing works

STASIS IN THE MORPH RATIO CLINE IN THE BANANAQUIT ON GRENADA, WEST INDIES

MacColl, A. D. C., & Stevenson, I. R. (2003) · Ornithological Applications · doi:10.1093/condor/105.4.821 · Cited by 14 · see citing works

Variability of the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene explains the segregation of the bronze locus in turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)

Vidal, O., Viñas, J., & Plá, C. (2010) · Poultry Science · doi:10.3382/ps.2010-00726 · Cited by 13 · see citing works

Melanine bei Vögeln und säugetieren

Lubnow, E. (1963) · Journal für Ornithologie · doi:10.1007/bf01677680 · Cited by 12 · see citing works

Genetics of melanism in the fantail Rhipidura fuliginosa

Caughley, G. (1969) · Notornis · doi:10.63172/634307taakiq · Cited by 10 · see citing works

Unser Auer-, Rackel- und Birkwild und seine abarten /

Meyer, A. B. (1887) · doi:10.5962/bhl.title.60829 · Cited by 7 · see citing works

Red Bob-White: A Report and Correction

Cole, L. J., Stoddard, H. L., & Komarek, E. V. (1949) · The Auk · doi:10.2307/4080656 · Cited by 5 · see citing works

XIII.—Drafts for a fauna indica

Blyth, E. (1847) · Annals and Magazine of Natural History · doi:10.1080/037454809496458 · Cited by 3 · see citing works

A new taxon in the Mourning Wheatear Oenanthe lugens complex

Shirihai, H., Kirwan, G. M., & Helbig, A. J. (2011) · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · doi:10.5281/zenodo.15916096 · Cited by 3 · see citing works

First dark morph brood of Montagu's Harriers (Circus pygargus) in 14 years in Italy

Pandolfi, M. (2000) · Biodiversity Heritage Library (Smithsonian Institution) · doi:10.5281/zenodo.16000241 · Cited by 2 · see citing works

What's in a name? Nomenclature for colour aberrations in birds reviewed

van Grouw, H. (2021) · Bulletin of the British Ornithologists Club · doi:10.25226/bboc.v141i3.2021.a5 · Cited by 87 · see citing works

Comprehensive molecular phylogeny of barn owls and relatives (Family: Tytonidae), and their six major Pleistocene radiations

Uva, V., Päckert, M., Cibois, A., Fumagalli, L., & Roulin, A. (2018) · Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution · doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2018.03.013 · Cited by 62 · see citing works

Possible mechanisms of substrate colour‐matching in larks (Alaudidae) and their taxonomic implications

Donald, P. F., Alström, P., & Engelbrecht, D. (2017) · Ibis · doi:10.1111/ibi.12487 · Cited by 24 · see citing works

A large‐scale survey of bird plumage colour aberrations reveals a collection bias in Internet‐mined photographs

Zbyryt, A., Mikula, P., Ciach, M., Morelli, F., & Tryjanowski, P. (2021) · Ibis · doi:10.1111/ibi.12872 · Cited by 23 · see citing works

Genetic fine‐mapping reveals single nucleotide polymorphism mutations in the MC1R regulatory region associated with duck melanism

Liu, H., Xi, Y., Tang, Q., Qi, J., Zhou, Z., Guo, Z., Fan, W., Hu, J., Xu, Y., Liang, S., et al. (2023) · Molecular Ecology · doi:10.1111/mec.16924 · Cited by 20 · see citing works

So overt it's covert: Wildlife coloration in the city

Kreling, S. E. S. (2023) · BioScience · doi:10.1093/biosci/biad021 · Cited by 14 · see citing works

Multiple colors in anteaters: review and description of chromatic disorders in Tamandua (Xenarthra: Pilosa) with reports of new and rare coat colorations

Cotts, L., Slifkin, J. P., Moratelli, R., Gonçalves, L., & Rocha-Barbosa, O. (2023) · Zoologia (Curitiba) · doi:10.1590/s1984-4689.v40.e22034 · Cited by 12 · see citing works

Of Rarity and Symbolism: Understanding Human Perceptions of Charismatic Color Morphs

Williams, T. D., Kreling, S. E. S., Stanton, L. A., Wilkinson, C. E., Estien, C. O., Schell, C. J., & Carlen, E. J. (2024) · Human Ecology · doi:10.1007/s10745-024-00492-7 · Cited by 10 · see citing works

Taxonomic status of the extinct Canary Islands Oystercatcher Haematopus meadewaldoi

Senfeld, T., Shannon, T., van Grouw, H., Paijmans, D. M., Tavares, E. S., Baker, A. J., Lees, A. C., & Collinson, J. M. (2019) · Ibis · doi:10.1111/ibi.12778 · Cited by 9 · see citing works

The colourful journey of the Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto

van Grouw, H. (2022) · Bulletin of the British Ornithologists Club · doi:10.25226/bboc.v142i2.2022.a3 · Cited by 7 · see citing works

FIRST REPORT AND DESCRIPTION OF MELANISM AND ALBINISM IN GIANT ANTEATER, Myrmecophaga tridactyla (XENARTHRA, MYRMECOPHAGIDAE)

Cotts, L., & Prestes, S. B. S. (2022) · Oecologia Australis · doi:10.4257/oeco.2022.2604.11 · Cited by 7 · see citing works

Aberrant plumage records in Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis (Aves: Charadriidae)

Corrêa, L. L. C., Horn, N., Brückmann, C. D. S., Weber, V., de Brum, A. C., & Petry, M. V. (2020) · Neotropical Biology and Conservation · doi:10.3897/neotropical.15.e55754 · Cited by 6 · see citing works

Melanism in the grass snake Natrix natrix (Linnaeus, 1758) from the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, Romania

Fănaru, G., Telea, A. E., Gherghel, I., & Melenciuc, R. (2022) · Herpetozoa · doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.35.e85310 · Cited by 5 · see citing works

New sightings of melanistic Green Herons (Butorides virescens) in the Caribbean suggest overlooked polymorphism

Drucker, J. R., Bennett, R. E., Fried, L. K., Kazour, M. L., & McNeil, D. J. (2018) · Journal of Caribbean Ornithology · doi:10.55431/jco.2018.31.38-47 · Cited by 5 · see citing works

Isabelline coloration: a heretofore unrecognized chromatic aberration in bighorn sheep

Bleich, V. C. (2024) · California Fish and Wildlife Journal · doi:10.51492/cfwj.110.8 · Cited by 4 · see citing works

Albinism, Leucism, and Melanism in the Common Barn-Owl (Tyto alba)

Poprach, K., Roulin, A., Baudvin, H., Bloch, I., & Charter, M. (2025) · Journal of Raptor Research · doi:10.3356/jrr2531 · Cited by 2 · see citing works

Sex- and age-dependent breeding plumage acquisition in monomorphic species, the Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus

Meissner, W., Czaplewska, E., & Ożarowska, A. (2023) · Journal für Ornithologie · doi:10.1007/s10336-023-02089-1 · Cited by 2 · see citing works

An illustrated key for identification of colour aberrations in alcids with a revision of nomenclature used

Cieślińska, K., Bodson, P., Gruber, E., Piening, K., Syposz, M., Wojczulanis‐Jakubas, K., & Jakubas, D. (2025) · The European Zoological Journal · doi:10.1080/24750263.2024.2447447 · Cited by 2 · see citing works

FIRST REPORT OF THE PALAU BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE

Otobed, D. O., OLSEN, A. R., Eberdong, M., Ketebengang, H., Etpison, M. T., Pratt, H. D., McKinlay, G. H., Wiles, G. J., VanderWerf, E. A., O'Brien, M., et al. (2018) · Western Birds · doi:10.21199/wb49.3.2 · Cited by 2 · see citing works

A black Page in the French partridge's history: the melanistic variety of Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa

van Grouw, H., Besson, L., & Mellier, B. (2018) · Bulletin of the British Ornithologists Club · doi:10.25226/bboc.v138i4.2018.a7 · Cited by 2 · see citing works

INDEPENDENT OBSERVATIONS OF PHAEOMELANIC MALES OF THE VARIABLE SEEDEATER (SPOROPHILA CORVINA) WITH COMMENTS ABOUT ITS POTENTIAL FOR EVOLUTIONARY DIVERGENCE

Ocampo, D., Quesada, A., Oconitrillo, C., Lobo, R., & Uy, J. A. C. (2022) · Ornitología Neotropical · doi:10.58843/ornneo.v33i1.907 · Cited by 2 · see citing works

Constitutive activation of MC1R in the large-billed crow (Corvus macrorhynchos) and its potential role in black plumage

Nakano, S., Tashiro, Y., Fukuchi, H., Aizawa, S., & TAKEUCHI, S. (2026) · General and Comparative Endocrinology · doi:10.1016/j.ygcen.2026.114924 · Cited by 1 · see citing works

Color Aberrations in Owls: Drivers, Ecological Implications, and Case Studies in Eurasian Eagle Owl and Little Owl

Hadad, E., & Yosef, R. (2026) · Birds · doi:10.3390/birds7030053 · Cited by 1 · see citing works

The taxonomic history of Black-shouldered Peafowl; with Darwin's help downgraded from species to variation

van Grouw, H., & Dekkers, W. (2023) · Bulletin of the British Ornithologists Club · doi:10.25226/bboc.v143i1.2023.a7 · Cited by 1 · see citing works

New Records and Changes in the Status of Saskatchewan Birds to 31 December 2021

Taylor, P. S. (2023) · Blue Jay · doi:10.29173/bluejay6354 · Cited by 1 · see citing works

HYPEREUMELANISTIC HORNED GREBE OBSERVED IN EASTERN INTERIOR ALASKA

Bertram, M. R., & GRIMM, A. (2018) · Western Birds · doi:10.21199/wb49.3.7

A RECORD OF “DILUTION” PLUMAGE ABERRATION IN THE RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (TIGRISOMA LINEATUM)

Riveros, C. B., & Ortiz, E. (2020) · Ornitología Neotropical · doi:10.58843/ornneo.v30i0.489

Full Issue

(2017) · Bulletin of the British Ornithologists Club · doi:10.25226/bboc.v137i4.2017.a13

Index for Volume 137 (2017)

(2017) · Bulletin of the British Ornithologists Club · doi:10.25226/bboc.v137i4.2017.a12

Primer registro de melanismo parcial en una Gaviota Cocinera (Larus dominicanus) en el Parque Nacional Islote Lobos, Argentina

Aguilar, A. T., Pon, J. P. S., & Pereyra, P. J. (2026) · Nuestras Aves · doi:10.56178/na.v71i.1165

Melanistic Northern Harrier Spends 2 Winters in Sierra Vista, AZ

Tracey, S. (2025) · Arizona Birds · doi:10.65238/703.gir

A rare case of melanistic chicks in a Montagu’s harrier nest

Boano, G., Varagnolo, S., Grasso, G., & Pavia, M. (2026) · Raptor Journal · doi:10.2478/srj-2026-0003

Nuevos registros de aberraciones cromáticas del plumaje en aves en Argentina

Juárez, M., Ameglio, J., Braidoti, A., Casadei, M. C., Enrique, J., Godoy, G., Pippo, D. G., Lalegge, L., & Vesco, M. (2026) · Nuestras Aves · doi:10.56178/na.v71i.1179

Avian Conservation Physiology

Echeverry, D., & Aguila, G. D. (2026) · IntechOpen eBooks · doi:10.5772/intechopen.1015788

Dark mysteries

(2006) · Current Biology · doi:10.1016/j.cub.2006.03.073

A window on the genetics of evolution: MC1R and plumage colouration in birds

Mundy, N. I. (2005) · Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences · doi:10.1098/rspb.2005.3107 · Cited by 328 · see citing works

Effects of mutations in pigeon Mc1r implicate an expanded plumage color patterning regulatory networkPreprint

Krishnan, S., & Cryberg, R. L. (2019) · bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) · doi:10.1101/792945 · Cited by 3 · see citing works

Molecular Mechanisms and Gene Regulation of Melanic Plumage Coloration in Birds

Kulikova, I. V. (2021) · Russian Journal of Genetics · doi:10.1134/s102279542108007x · Cited by 9 · see citing works

Not every white bird is an albino: sense and nonsense about colour aberrations in birds

van Grouw, H. (2006) · Cited by 160 · see citing works