Experiments on the functions of the bare crown patch of downy western grebe chicks

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Abstract
On the head of western grebe chicks (Aechmophorus occidentalis) is a bare, triangular patch of skin. Field observations and experiments show that this crown patch flushes to a deep scarlet when a chick is begging for food or is separated temporarily from its parents. Both satiation of begging chicks and reuniting of lost, peeping chicks restored the patch to its original pale colour within minutes. The crown patch appears to function as a generalized distress signal that indicates to the parents that a particular member of the brood is in need of immediate attention.

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