The Experiment

First preference test : In the first preference test , test females can choose between single males of the two phenotypes ; the unadorned wild-type and the adorned male wearing the red feather . The wild-type male is treated equally to the adorned male. This preference test lasts for 2 x 20 minutes . After the first 20 minutes cages of males are switched in position to account for possible side preferences instead of mate preferences of females .

Observation period : During the observation period , females can observe two new males of the respective phenotypes . The unadorned male is presented alone , while the adorned male is presented with an unadorned model female . This model female is the mate of the adorned male. Interactions between the male and his mate show the test female that this male is mated to the model female . Test females can observe stimulus birds for two hours .

Second preference test : In the second preference test , females can choose between two new males of the two phenotypes . Test females can again choose for 2 x 20 minutes , with a switch of male cages after 20 minutes .

Afterwards the time the test females spent in front of the respective males during the two preference tests will be summed up and compared .