Molecular insights into region-specific sexual dichromatism: Comparative transcriptome analysis of red cheek pigmentation in zebra finches

Color traits provide visual signals for communication and sexual selection, leading to mating choices and speciation. The craniofacial plumage color patterns are complex and the mechanisms remain unclear. Here we choose two regions of the zebra finch, Taeniopygia guttata, the cheek and the scalp (i.e. crown) to study. Based on the results, We formulated a hypothetical regulatory model for sex dichromatism in zebra finches.