Birds-of-Paradise Light Up With Hidden Glow

Quick Smiles:

• Most birds-of-paradise sport biofluorescent feathers that glow under UV light.
• This surprising feature may enhance their already spectacular mating displays.
• Birds-of-paradise see even more colors than humans, possibly viewing brilliant glows we can’t perceive.

Researchers have uncovered a dazzling secret in birds-of-paradise—the feathers of 37 out of 45 species emit a yellow-green glow thanks to biofluorescence when exposed to UV light. Their already famous plumes, ranging from spindly ornaments to deep velvet black patches, shine even brighter under these conditions.

This unexpected discovery was made when ichthyologists, who usually study fish, used UV lights on bird specimens and observed glowing patterns on various parts of their bodies.

“It could just be that the biofluorescent portions are helping enhance those displays even more,” hypothesizes lead study author Rene Martin, a fish biologist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Some birds showed this glowing effect inside their mouths, and researchers noted a connection: monogamous birds-of-paradise displayed less pronounced glow than those with different partners each season.

Birds have a unique extra photoreceptor in their eyes, allowing them to see more colors than humans. Study co-author Emily Carr pointed out that a special oil in their eyes may let them see biofluorescence more vividly.

While the exact reason for the glow remains unsolved, scientists believe it likely plays a role in courtship or social dynamics.

“To me, the interesting part is that it’s so widespread throughout the group,” said Edwin Scholes, founder of the Birds-of-Paradise Project at Cornell. “It’s not just all tail feathers or all flank feathers or anything specific—it’s pretty much all over the board.”

The world of birds-of-paradise remains as enchanting as ever, now glowing with even more mystery than before. Let your curiosity take flight and share these new wonders with fellow nature lovers!

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