Plumage reflectance signals dominance in Florida scrub-jay, Aphelocoma coerulescens, juveniles

► We experimentally manipulated plumage reflectance of juvenile Florida scrub-jays. ► We compared dominance before and after plumage manipulation. ► We found that reducing plumage reflectance caused a reduction in dominance. ► We conclude that plumage reflectance signals status in juvenile Florida scrub-jays.