The best known is turacoverdin. Hypothesis confirmed by spectrum analysis. Relatively high copper content. Indicates phylogenetic relationship between Musophagidae and the Galliformes. These tropical shorebirds have a polyandrous mating system and females compete among themselves for breeding opportunities with males.
Severe fights occur between females, leading to takeovers of male mates.
These findings strengthen the hypothesis of sexually selected infanticide by extending its applicability to a species in which sex roles are reversed. Closer examination after the bird left the 'nest' disclosed a patch of damp weed and earth at water level, with 4 eggs. On 6th August the eggs had disappeared and there was no sign then or later of the young birds. On 23rd September the nest was apparently abandoned. On 30th September a bird was observed on a lily bed in the middle of the dam with what could have been weed hanging about its body.