Studies on UV reflection in feathers of some 1000 bird species: are UV peaks in feathers correlated with violet-sensitive and ultraviolet-sensitive cones?
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2008 |
Authors: |
P. Mullen, G. Pohland |
Publication/Journal: |
Ibis |
Keywords: |
avian vision, color, colour, feather, fluorescence, light environment, perception, plumage, sexual dimorphism, signalling, ultraviolet, ultraviolet vision, uv, uv reflection |
Abstract:
Nine hundred and sixty-eight bird species, covering all orders, were studied in search of distinctive ultraviolet reflections. All species in the following orders were completely surveyed: Struthioniformes, Tinamiformes, Craciformes, Turniciformes, Galbuliformes, Upupiformes, Coliiformes, Apodiformes and Musophagiformes. The coloured plumage regions in particular exhibited high proportions of UV-reflecting feathers. Bird orders with species which are believed to possess VS (violet-sensitive) cone types mostly had their UV maxima between 380 and 399Çnm while orders with species which are assumed to have UVS (ultraviolet-sensitive) cone types contained significantly species which had their UV maxima between 300 and 379Çnm. With an emphasis on non-passerine birds the present study provides evidence that birds of many more groups may see UV light than have been studied to date. Ecological aspects related to UV reflection and perception, as well as sexual dimorphism visible only in the UV, are discussed.