Discover How Certain Birds Use Biofluorescence to Attract Mates with Invisible Colors

Birds are known for their vibrant colors, especially when trying to attract a mate. But did you know some birds take this a step further? Recent studies reveal that certain birds, like the stunning birds-of-paradise, can glow due to a phenomenon called biofluorescence.

This unique effect occurs when their feathers absorb ultraviolet (UV) light and then re-emit it as visible light, usually in shades of green or yellow. In a groundbreaking study involving 45 species of birds-of-paradise, researchers found that 37 of these species display this glowing trait.

The males flaunt their glow in the most noticeable places: their beaks, the insides of their mouths, and various feathered regions. Females also shine, but primarily on their chest and belly. The brightest glowing colors are typically around 520–560 nanometers on the light spectrum, making them particularly eye-catching in low-light environments.

Rene Martin, the lead author of the study and an assistant professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, explained that such glowing could enhance the males’ mating displays. “These flashy signals may bolster their attractiveness and social interactions," he noted.

Historically, birds-of-paradise have piqued the interest of biologists for their spectacular feather displays and complex courtship dances. This recent discovery adds another layer to their already impressive toolkit for attracting mates, suggesting that these birds might communicate with each other using signals invisible to the human eye.

The research draws on the extensive ornithology collection at the American Museum of Natural History, which has specimens from as far back as the 1800s. It has been noted that many bird species, despite their vivid plumage and fascinating behaviors, have not been thoroughly examined for biofluorescence. This revelation opens up new pathways for studying avian communication and the evolution of such traits.

As birds of paradise perform intricate dances, the fluorescent signals may serve as a subtle enhancement, drawing in potential mates and communicating dominance among rivals. These glowing features likely have a variety of environmental influences, especially considering the rich light conditions of their equatorial habitats.

Moreover, recent studies have identified that related bird species possess the eye pigments necessary to detect these fluorescent signals, meaning they’re likely privy to this hidden language of light that enhances courtship and territorial displays.

This exciting area of research not only broadens our understanding of these vivid birds but could also lead to discovering similar traits in other species. As scientists continue to explore the world of avian fluorescence, we may find that the secrets of biofluorescence are far more common across the bird family than previously thought.

For further information on biofluorescence in birds, the study is published in the journal Royal Society Open Science.

Check out this related article: Uncovering the Unexpected: What a Robot Discovered Beneath the Ice